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Polka dancing is fun exercise that canbe enjoyed at upcoming festivals

Do a little polka

September 2014 • Vol. 12, Issue 2 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Inside...

HealthNutrition and aging go hand-in-hand

Pg. 10

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

Physical therapyExercise important in dealing withfibromyalgia

Pg. 5

2 | Sep tember 2 , 20 14 50PLUS THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STAT ION EAGLE

Financial: Divorce done differentlydifferentlydif 4Physical therapy: Exercise important in dealing with fibromyalgia 5Feature: Learning to polka, upcoming fall festivals 6Memorymedic:Memory tips 9

CONTENTS

PUBLISHERCrystal DuPre

DIRECTOR OF SALES ANDMARKETING

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DISPLAYDISPLAYDISPL ADVERADVERAD TISINGVERTISINGVERMANAGERMANAGERMANALinda Brinkman

SPECIAL PROJECTPROJECTPR S EDITOR/PUBLICATIONPUBLICATIONPUBLICA DESIGNER

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50 Plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College StationCommunications Inc.1729 Briarcrest Drive

Bryan, Texas

Cover photo: (courtesy(courtesy(cour of Wurstfest): Attendeesenjoy dancing at a past annual Wurstfest eventin New Braunfels. Locals can practice their polkaskills at upcoming festivals in the Brazos Valleyand within a day’s drive. See page 6 for story.

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If you’re reading this article, Iapplaud you. This isn’t a fun subject.It’s something most try to avoid at allcosts. Who wants to think or talk aboutdeath?

I don’t either, but the last time Ichecked, the mortality rate amonghuman beings is 100 percent. Anythingthat happens to all of us is worth someserious discussion and preparation.

Death is hard. One of my bestfriends died at age 12 and left me ina fog. My dad’s death when I was 15shattered my world.Every loss since hasbeen difficult andsometimes traumatic.At times I felt punchedin the gut and othertimes like I had been hitby a train.

Why is death sohard? Here’s fivereasons, and a littleabout how we can tackle each one ofthem:

First, this life is all we’ve known.We’ve spent all our lives on this

planet (except for the few astronautsin our midst), breathing this air andwalking this earth. When we talkabout things beyond this life, we’re inuncharted territory.

What if we viewed death as anunknown adventure we must alltake? Most of us like adventures. Theproblem is we often romanticize themand leave out the unpleasant parts likerisk, danger and maybe even boredom.

Certainly, faith can make a massivedifference in our attitude. Somefolks have great peace about what’snext and a level of certainty aboutwhat’s beyond this life. But in mostcases, the following statement is true:“Everybody wants to go to heaven, butnobody wants to die.”

Death is hard because it’s different.We haven’t experienced it yet. Butthis is also true of other things we’llexperience for the first time today.This day is new. We’ve never been herebefore.

The more we live in the now insteadof the past and the future, the morecontentment we’ll have. The more atpeace we are, the better able we’ll be toaccept the unknowns of the day. Everyday is an adventure.

Second, death is hard because ofour culture.

Researchers of thanatology (thestudy of death) classify cultures asdeath-accepting, death-defying ordeath-denying. Currently, the majorityof North America falls into the death-denying category. We don’t think aboutit. We pretend it doesn’t exist. Deathisn’t seen as a natural part of life,but as an intrusion – the destroyer ofhopes, dreams and relationships.

In the not too distant past, mostpeople died at home, surroundedby family. Now, many die in skilled-care communities and hospitals.We’re living longer, and we’re not asemotionally equipped to handle deathwithin our family contexts.

Death may actually be more difficultbecause of our increased longevity.We’ve grown to expect long life, butsometimes the quality of that life is lessthan we would hope for.

It may help to see some of ourissues with death come not so muchfrom us, but our culture. Knowing wetend to be death-denying can becomethe first step to facing death with morerealism and understanding.

Third, death is hard because of therelational separation.

We’re created for relationships.When boiled down to their essence, itcould be said our lives are about people– our families, friends and those we’veknown and related to over the years.This is our history.

In my work with hospice, I’ve yet tohear, “I wish I had spent more time atwork.” What I often hear is, “I wish Ihad spent more time with so-and-so.”Overwhelmingly, our regrets tend to beabout our relationships.

If relationships are our life, beingseparated from those we love is a scaryproposition. It feels almost inhuman.To no longer be with those we love,whether we’re dealing with a loss orcontemplating our own death, is awful.

We can allow the thought ofseparation to depress us, or we canintentionally connect with thosearound us now. We can’t afford to letworry about what was or might bedistract us from living and relating inthe present. It’s not how many dayswe live, but how we live the days wehave. Rather than letting death stealour lives a day at a time, we can use itas motivation to live each day to thefullest.

Fourth, death is hard because it’semotionally complicated.

At first, we’re in shock. Our heartsscream, “This can’t be real!” We feelsad, and maybe a bit lost. We mightget angry at our loved one for leaving,at God for taking them from us, orat anyone we see as contributing totheir death. Our anxiety levels elevate.Depression knocks on our door.

Death brings with it a challengingvariety and intensity of emotion. It’scertainly not business as usual for ourhearts. It’s as if our insides are beingtorn apart. It hurts.

One of the greatest gifts we can giveanother person is our presence. Deathrips this away from us.

It helps to know our loved one isin reality still with us because they’repart of us. We cherish memories andtell their stories. We honor them onbirthdays, holidays and at specialfamily events. While we’re missing thepresence of one, we can also bless thosearound us with our presence.

Fifth, death is hard because of theguilt factor.

Death brings with it a bag ofaccusations and dumps them upon us.

“If you had only …” “You shouldn’thave …” “Why didn’t you …?”

As a hospice chaplain, I hear a lotof regrets. We’ve all got them. We’rehuman, and we make mistakes. Wedon’t see the whole picture. We’re farfrom all-powerful.

Guilt is a relentless monster, andnot to be toyed with. It benefits noone, and keeps us stuck. Instead ofletting guilt devour our hearts, we cansend it packing. We can take actionby focusing on the present and doingthe most loving thing now. The pastis behind us. It’s what we do next thatcounts.

Death is hard. It’s supposed to be.But we can prepare ourselves to meet itwith more peace of mind and heart. Bydoing so, we can free ourselves to livemore fully today.

Gary Roe is an author, speakerand chaplain with Hospice BrazosValley. Visit him at www.garyroe.comor contact him at 821-2266 or groe@hospicebrazosvalley.org.

Gary roeHospice

Why death is so hard and what we can do about it

4 | Sep tember 2 , 20 14 50PLUS THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STAT ION EAGLE

What is the first thing that comesto mind when you hear the word“divorce?” Bitterness? Anxiety andsadness? Devastation for childrenand families? The reality is that manycouples go through the motions ofa typical courtroom divorce, onlyto end up angry and frustrated, andwith an undesirable outcome for theirfamily, finances and future imposedupon them by a judge. Yes, the typicalcourtroom divorce is often messy,combative, costly and destructive, butwhat if there were another option?

Couples need an option thatpromotes a peaceful environment,meets their long-term needs, addressestheir concerns,protects theirchildren and otherrelationships theyshare with each otherand sets them up toco-parent effectivelyafter their divorce.

Collaborativedivorce is a peaceful,non-adversarialalternative for couples who want toreach a settlement on their own terms,and preserve the family system asbest as possible. Alongside a team ofcollaborative divorce professionals,couples will address the legal, financialand emotional aspects of separation,and amicably negotiate an outcomethat works best for them.

Collaborative divorce is a peaceful,non-adversarial alternative to thetraditional litigated approach.This process addresses the legal,financial and emotional concerns thataccompany divorce by partneringcouples with an interdisciplinaryteam of professionals who encouragestrong communication, transparency,cooperation and respect. This teamincludes two collaborative lawattorneys, one parenting coach whois also a communications coach, plusone financial professional. The last twoteammembers are neutral. Neither onesides with either spouse. Collaborativelaw does not allow dueling experts northe high cost that comes with them.

What’s the difference?Many couples are familiar with

the traditional courtroom approach todivorce. It’s a route that pits spousesagainst one another, works to findfault, aims to create a win/ losescenario and ends with a judge handingdown a resolution that often doesn’talign with the couple’s long-term goals.

But collaborative divorce tellsa different story, one in which thecouples partner with a team ofattorneys, a financial professional anda divorce coach to clearly communicateneeds and goals, strategize for thefamily and future, and develop asettlement that meets the spouses’terms.

Litigated courtroom divorce:• Fault-finding, adversarial

approach seeks to create a winner andloser.

• Formulas and standard ordersare used by a judge to determine asettlement.

• No built-in support to cope withdivorce-related finances and emotions.

• Often painful and destructive forfamilies and children.

Collaborative divorce:• Encourages spouses to work

amicably and cooperatively to create acustomized settlement.

• Team of professionals partnerswith couples to address legal,financial and emotional concerns thataccompany divorce.

• Children are given a voice via achild specialist throughout the divorce.

• Develops a solid strategy toeffectively co-parent during and aftertheir dispute.

Collaborative attorneysCollaborative attorneys may

look like your run of the mill familylawyers, but they receive specialinstruction on how to navigate thecollaborative process, how to interactwith coaches and other collaborativeprofessionals, and how to get coupleson the same page about settlementoptions. They’re committed to seeingspouses work cooperatively throughthe process, staying out of court andkeeping the teammoving forward. In

fact, if for some reason a case dissolvesand is unable to be negotiated throughthe collaborative approach, the spouseswill have signed documents to preventeither attorney from representing ortestifying against either of them in alitigated case. It’s each collaborativeattorney’s role to facilitate discussionsthat identify their client’s idealoutcomes. Each attorney will discusshis or her client’s values, goals,concerns and fears in order to helpdevelop creative solutions throughoutthe process.

Aside from a much calmer, moresupportive, less tense and often timesless expensive divorce, benefits toworking with a collaborative divorceattorney include:

• Cooperation and teamwork —The collaborative attorney will be ateam player, and help his or her clientinteract cooperatively with theirspouse and the rest of the collaborativedivorce team.

• Excellent communication skills— Each spouse’s needs, goals andconcerns are important, and eachcollaborative attorney will work toconvey these effectively with bothspouses and the entireteam.

• Creativity andproblem solving —Creating a mutually-beneficial settlement canbe complicated, but everycollaborative attorneywill work to devisecreative solutions to meeteach spouse’s needs.

• Valuable legalcounsel — Thelegal system can becomplicated. Thecollaborative attorneywill help his or herclient to understand alllegal elements involvedthroughout the process.

What to expect froma collaborative divorceattorney

Expect a collaborativedivorce attorney to be ateam player interestedin cooperation. This

will keep the teammoving forward toan amicable settlement and have thegreatest chance of success. The bestcollaborative divorce attorneys focuson bringing the best team to each case.

A collaborative divorce attorneymust be current in his or hercollaborative law training. Workingin collaborative law requires trainingbecause the process is so very differentfrom the usual divorce legal work.Because a collaborative divorce ismuch more than property division andchild possession, the attorneys must befocused on understanding the root ofthe conflict between the spouses.

There is a local association ofcollaborative law attorneys. It is calledthe Brazos Valley Collaborative LawAlliance. There are four attorneys inthis group: Wendy Wood Hencerling,Andrea James, Randy Michel andShane Stibora. If you have anyquestions or wish to inform someoneabout this option, reach out to eitherme or to one of these attorneys.

Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS,CFF, CDFA, CFP® through her blog atwww.TexasDivorceFinance.com.

Tracy STewarTFinancial literacy

Divorce done differently: How collaborativedivorce promotes a peaceful environment

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I have been diagnoseddiagnoseddia withfibromyaomyaom lgia. Some people saysaysa it’s allin my head, but it doesn’t feel that way.way.waWhat can I do tohelp deal with themuscle pain andother symptoms. Iam on medicationbut it doesn’t helpenough. -- JA,Caldwell

Whenfibromyalgia wasfirst used as adiagnosis, it wasoften a catch-all for joint pain thatwas difficultdifficultdif to explain. Patients withunexplainable muscle or joint painwere diagnosed with fibromyalgia.In the past few years, more researchillustrates the very real disease andthe often debilitating symptomspatients suffersuffersuf . Dr. Weil, M.D. explains,“Research suggests that imbalancesin the nervous system amplify normal

sensation, making even a slight touchfeel painful. This super-sensitivity-sensitivity-sensitito pain appears to be genetic; it doesrun in families, and researchers havehavehaidentified one gene believed to beinvoinvoin lved in the syndrome. Patientsalso havehaveha higher-than-normal levelsof a neuropeptide called substance Pthat is invoinvoin lved in the communicationof pain signals to the brain, andlower-than-normal levels of thepain-mitigating hormones serotoninand norepinephrine” (www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02975/Treatment-of-Fibromyalgia.html). Dr. Weil goes on toexplain that even if you havehaveha a geneticpredisposition, something triggersthe onset of the disease (e.g., viralinfection, emotional stress, an accidentor injury or exposure to certain drugsor chemicals).

The most common symptomsinclude fatigue, headaches,problems associated with memory,memory,memorydifficultydifficultydif sleeping, pain and loss of

concentration. Oftenpatients are treated withpain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugsand/or antidepressants.However,er,er there arenatural solutions thatcan help patients a greatdeal. These include;

• Exercise. Regularexercise has provento be one of the besttreatments. Althoughmuscle pain may worsenduring exercise, the painusually dissipates within30 minutes. Stretchingand low-impact aerobicactivityactivityacti (swimming,walking, yoga or usingcardiovascular machineslike stationary bikes or ellipticaltrainers) are often the most effectieffectief vefectivefecti .

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By STACSTACST YACYAC CANTUSpecial to The EaglEaglEa e

Polka dancing is a dance enjoyed by many in Texas,and with upcoming fall festivafestivafesti ls, dancers will beshowing offoffof their polka moves across the state.

“Polka is a liveliveli ly dance,” said Susan Quiring, ownerof Susan’s Ballroom Dance and polka instructor. “It’sthe feeling of gliding across the floor with that specialpartner that makes it fun.”

Polka dancing has remained popular in Texas sinceit was started in the 1800s.

“I believe it was started around 1835,” Quiring said.“It has kept its popularity throughout the years. I don’tknow that polka has ever gone out of style in the state.”

Polka is a dance for all ages. It can be enjoyed andlearned by children, adults and seniors, she said.

“It’s an even beat on each side of your body,”Quiring said. “You“You“Y don’t havehaveha to think about it too muchbecause you are doing the same thing on both sides ofyour body. It’s like a mirror image, and it makes itmore doable.”

The polka can invoinvoin lve some intricate moves;however,er,er some dancers prefer to keep it simple.

“If you get to where you can’t do the rapid step,you can take it slower,” Quiring said. “Almost likewalking.”

Aside from being a fun hobby,by,by there are manybenefits to polka dancing.

“It’s a great socializer,”er,”er Quiring added. “It makespeople fit, keeps people active,active,acti helps to improveposture, helps strengthen leg and core muscles, andhelps strengthen arm muscles. It also helps preventosteoporosis and helps improve balance.”

“It’s just a great hobby,”by,”by Quiring said. “You“You“Y arelearning a life-long skill. It gets people moving so theyaren’t sitting around all day.”

Polka dancing also builds strong character traits.“A good dance relationship is like a good

marriage,” Quiring said. “Everyone has to do theirpart, and if everyone pays attention to their part, itworks.”

Quiring, whose youngest student is 5 and oldeststudent is 92, offersoffersof both privaprivapri te and group polkadance lessons.

“It just depends on what a person wants,” Quiringsaid. “Some people prefer that one-on-one time, buta lot like group because it’s a social outing as well. Iwatch people come from work to dance class, and Iliterally havehaveha to havehaveha them take a breath and then getthem dancing. All of a sudden their bodies relax andthey aren’t so stiff.”stiff.”stif

Fall festivafestivafesti ls, such as Oktober fests, are alwaysanticipated and well-attended events throughout thestate of Texas, and several are either in the Bryan-College Station area this year or are just a short drivedrivedriaway.

The Texas Renaissance Festivastivasti l, in Todd Mission,will feature an Oktoberfest themed weekend Oct. 11and Oct. 12. This event will offerofferof German music anddancing. According to the website, guests will get todance a polka, feast on Bratwurst and sauerkraut,sauerkraut,sauerquench their thirst with a stein of beer and enterone of the three German-themed contests. For moreinforinforinf mation on this event visit www.texrenfest.com/themed-weekends/oktoberfest.

The College Station Parks and RecreationDepartment will hold an October Fest on Oct. 23 from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. at the American PavilionPavilionPa at Veterans Parkin College Station. The festivafestivafesti l is free, and will be opento all seniors. It will feature German music, food andlots of prizes. For more inforinforinf mation on this event call979-0764-3486.

The OktoBierFest will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Oct. 25 at the Reifel Hall in Round Top. This event,hosted by Round Top Schutzen Verein, will featurecraft beer tasting with a $10 admission fee. Event goerswill also enjoy relaxing in the Bier Garten with drinks,sausage and kraut, and free German music starting at 2p.m. For more inforinforinf mation, visit www.roundtop.org.

Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg will be held Oct. 3through Oct. 5. This festivafestivafesti l will feature four stages ofcontinuous German music, local artisans, a children’sfun area, food and drink and family fun.

“Our three-day German cultural Oktoberfestprovides weekend fun for all ages,” said Deborah LynnFarquhar,rquhar,rquhar festivafestivafesti l planner. “We“We“W havehaveha German food and

drink, a dance contest, music on four stages,local artists, a KinderPark,ark,ar unique souvenirsand much more. Special activitiesactivitiesacti will includeOkTUBAfest Friday during the opening,Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance Saturdaymorning, and a 42 Tournament and DanceContest on Sunday.”

For more inforinforinf mation on Oktoberfest, visithttp://www.oktoberfestinfbg.com.

Wurstfest will be held in New Braunfelsalong the Comal RiveRiveRi r from Nov. 7 throughNov. 16. The event will feature food, music,dancing and carnivanivani l rides. Event goers willalso enjoy German, Texan and domestic beer,beer,beerspecial events and the finest in Alpine andBavaBavaBa rian style entertainment, according tothe event website. For more inforinforinf mation, visithttp://wurstfest.com.

The San Antonio Oktoberfest will be heldOct. 3 and 4 in downtown San Antonio at theBeethoven Halle und Garten. The festivafestivafesti lwill feature music, food and dancing, plusGerman specialties like bratwurst, reubensand beer. For more inforinforinf mation on this eventvisit http://visitsanantonio.com or call 210-222-1521.

Polka dancing is fun exercise that can beenjoyed during upcoming fall festivals

Do a little polka

A pair learns to polka dance at Susan’s BallroomBallroomBallr Dance in College Station.

A couple polka dances at last year’s annual Oktoberfest in FrederFrederFr icksburg.sburg.sbur

Performers presentpresentpr a show during last year’s Oktoberfest themed weekendekendekat the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission.

People of all ages dance during an annual Wurstfest event inNew Braunfels. ChildrenChildrenChildr enjoy dancing at a past annual Wurstfest event in New Braunfels.

8 | Sep tember 2 , 20 14 50PLUS THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STAT ION EAGLE

The ninth annual Taste of HomeCooking School in Bryan on Sept.16 will feature a culinary specialistdemonstrating how to create greatdishes, many door prizes, shopping andgoody bags.

The Taste of Home cooking school,presented by The Eagle, will be heldat the Brazos County Expo Complex,5827 Leonard Road. Doors will openat 4 p.m., and the show will start at6:30 p.m. The Taste of Home CookingSchool is America’s leading cookingschool program, inspiring more than300,000 passionate home chefs atapproximately 300 events nationwide.

Jamie Dunn will return as theculinary specialist from Taste of HomeCooking School. Dunn, who conductscooking school shows across thecountry,country,country will prepare recipes liveliveli forthe audience.

Each attendee will also receiveceiveceia goody bag filled with fun items,including cooking tips, productsamples, money-savingmoney-savingmoney-sa coupons andthe Taste of Home Cooking Schoolmagazine. Many past attendees havehavehasaid the goody bag alone is worth theprice of the ticket. Attendees can alsoenter for a chance to win one of many

door prizes.This year’s show is brought to

you in part by Atkinson Toyota,Celebrity Spa & Salon, H-E-B, FactoryBuilder Stores and Ashley FurnitureHomeStore.

VIP tickets, which include preferredseating and earlyearlyear admission, are $25.General admission tickets are $12. Formore inforinforinf mation, go by The Eagle,1729 Briarcrest DriveDriveDri in Bryan, visitwww.theeagle.com/tohcs or call 979-731-4746.

Taste of Home event Sept. 16

Attendees pick up their goody bagsas they arrive at last year’s Taste ofHome Cooking School in Bryan.

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Forget your PIN numbers,anniversary or birthdays, license platenumbers, addresses? No problem; thereis a simple fix.

When I was a teenager, I used anumber-code tip to put on memorydemonstrations where I memorized, bypage number, the gist ofa magazine in less than30 minutes. I learnedthis system frommydad, who was a salesmanfor the Dale Carnegieleadership and publicspeaking course, whichincluded learning a“number peg” system.I helped recruit enrollees. At thebeginning of sales meetings, the courseleader would tell the prospects: “Ourcourse teaches some memory skills tohelp you remember your speeches orthings you read. Billy, who is sitting inthe back, has learned our system, andhe uses it to memorize the content ofmagazines. I have here a current issueof a magazine, which he will memorizeby page number what is on every page-- in 30 minutes. He has never seen it(and I had not), and you can quiz himon what is on each page or tell himwhat is on each page and he will tellyou the page number.”

Sure enough, I could do it. Peoplewere amazed. I was, too, actually. Thetrick was to integrate number codeimages for the page numbers withimages of what was conveyed on agiven page. For example, page number42 (rain) had a story on PresidentTruman ordering the developmentof the hydrogen bomb. So I pictured

the president wrapped in dollar bills(“the buck stops here” famous quote ofTruman) playing with a bowl of water(hydro … hydrogen) that blows up. Itstarts pouring down rain that washesaway the bomb cloud. I includedother details to the imagined story,such as an image of a scientist witha megaphone (tell … Edward Teller)shouting in the president’s ear to do it.I saw Teller being chased by Cossacks(in classic dress) to remind me thatRussia was in a race with us, havingjust tested their firs atomic bomb.

You might think that repeatingthis process with different materialwould be a problem. To learn a newset of pages, you have to “take down”the first images and replace them withnew ones. Somehow, this isn’t much ofa problem for short-term recall. Evensome of the images from older materialcan last for years.

Of course, you can just use the codeto memorize items without linkingthem to page numbers. In either case,the technique is to use a fixed set ofconsonant letters and combine themwith vowels to construct words that canbe used to make visual images. Eachnumber from 0 to 9 has an associatedletter that you have to memorize inadvance. But that is rather easy, andonce you have these associations naileddown, it is easy to create a word thatuses the code. The code word is usedto make visual images to representthe numbers to make them easier tomemorize. For example, if you wantedto remember that Rene Descartescreated Cartesian geometry in 1637,you could first construct images for the

date (1 = “t” and 6 = “ch”: teach and 3= “m” and 7= “g”: mug), which mightbe an image of a teacher drawingCartesian coordinates with a muginstead of a piece of chalk.

I have such a list of two-digit wordsin my book, “Memory Power 101,” andfor longer digit strings you can inventword images or combine pairs.

If you wanted to remember ananniversary date of Aug. 31, you couldenvision walking down the weddingaisle on a yoga mat (31) instead of acarpet. You would at least remembersome time in August wouldn’t you?Another example: many times youpark in large parking lots and forgetwhere you put the car. Such lots areoften marked off with letters combinedwith numbers, as in B2, D6 and so on.For the letters it is easy to think of

the animal name that first comes tomind that begins with the letter: A =anteater, B = bat, C = cat, D = dog andso on. So for B8, you could think of abat flying into a tangle of ivy whichhas grown over your car while it wasparked. See the table of consonants touse in constructing words (above).

The silliness of such mnemonicsis what makes the images memorable.The other good thing is that ageneralizable skill emerges. Repeateduse of the number code stimulatesthe imagination, making it easier togenerate new images for other memorytasks.

Bill Klemm is author of two books onimproving memory, Memory Power 101and Better Grades, Less Effort. His blog isat thankyoubrain.blogspot.com.

Memory athlete gimmicks Tip 5: Remember numbers

dr. BILL KLeMMtHe MeMory MeDic

Number Letter sound Mnemonic aid

0 Soft c, s, z c as in cent, z as in zero

1 t, d Each letter has one down stroke

2 n The letter has two down strokes

3 m The letter has three down strokes

4 r Last letter of the word four

5 l L is the Roman numeral for five

6 g, j, ch, sh letters have a soft g sound, as in “judge.” J looks

like a flipped 6

7 Hard c, g, ck, or k Sounds are opposite to those for 6.

8 ph, v V8

9 b, p Draw b upside down and flip it; looks like 9.

Flipped “p” looks like 9

is critical for reducing pain andimproving energy and mood.

• Relaxation techniques. Meditation,yoga or breath work can helpcounteract stress.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy.To learn how to cope better withsymptoms and stress.

• Acupuncture, trigger point dryneedling and massage are also oftenhelpful.

• The Feldenkrais Method canalso be used to correct poor postureor habits of movement that maycontribute to pain (www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02975/Treatment-of-

Fibromyalgia.html).Massage, yoga, gentle stretching

and electrical stimulation may helppatients ease their pain while theydevelop exercise tolerance. The mostimportant element of exercise though,is starting a program. The problemwith fibromyalgia is that as the patientexperiences pain, the tendency is towithdraw from physical activity andexercise, which causes increasedstiffness and de-conditioning, leadingto more pain. Withdrawal from exercisereduces the body’s endorphins – thenatural painkillers that the bodyproduces during exercise. Lack ofexercise causes a drop in endorphinproduction and increases sensitivity topain.

To really make a difference in

the patient’s situation, they need toengage in an exercise program thatencourages function and enduranceand eventually strength. As notedabove, swimming, walking and ridingstationary bikes are good enduranceexercises. Range of motion exerciseand yoga can help restore full neckmotion, decreasing the frequencyof headaches. Lumbar flexion andextension exercises as well as yogacan reduce low back pain. Core trunkexercises strengthen the abdominals,back extensors, buttocks and thighmuscles. You can start the exerciseprogram with sessions as short as10 minutes, building up to 40-minutesessions that increase endorphin levelsand decrease pain sensitivity. Talk toyour physician about natural additionsto your care plan such as physical

therapy, yoga and massage.Fibromyalgia is real, and it requires

an aggressive approach both physicallyand mentally. Eating foods rich inanti-inflammatory properties may alsohelp (e.g., ginger, turmeric and omega-3fatty acids). Eating fewer processedfoods and more whole foods can’t hurt.The road to relief can be challenging.There will be ups and downs, good daysand difficult ones. Keep a journal ofhow you feel, what you eat and whatyou do physically; you will begin tosee improvements. A slow, steady andpersistent program is one of the mostimportant aspects of recovery.

Leon Bradway is a doctor of physicaltherapy and director of the Sports, Backand Pain Management Clinic. See www.bvphysicaltherapy.com.

Natural solutionsfrom page 5

10 | Sep tember 2 , 20 14 50PLUS THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STAT ION EAGLE

Metro Creative Connection

Nutrition is important for people of all ages, but it’sespecially important for men and women over the ageof 50, who can dramatically improve their quality of lifeby eating a well-balanced diet filled with vitamins andnutrients. Though that may seem like common sense,research has shown that men and women in this agegroup, who are often referred to as “Baby Boomers,”are not necessarily as healthy as they may seem.

While the baby boomer generation, which isgenerally regarded as those people born between 1946and 1964, boasts longer life expectancies than anygeneration that came before them, some of that canlikely be chalked up to advancements in medical care,including a booming pharmaceutical industry thatseemingly has an antidote to every ailment. But a 2013study from researchers at the West Virginia UniversitySchool of Medicine found that baby boomers are lesshealthy than the generation that immediately precededthem, tending to be more likely to have higher levels ofhypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. While thatnews might be sobering, it’s never too late for men andwomen over 50 to start eating healthier diets, which canreduce their risk of a wide range of ailments, includingheart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.

The following are a few ways men and women over50 can alter their diets so their bodies are getting whatthey need to live long and healthy lives well into theirgolden years. As is always the case, men and womenshould discuss any potential changes to their diets withtheir physicians to ensure the changes will be botheffective and healthy.

• Balance your diet. Kids hear of the benefits of abalanced diet seemingly from the moment they entera classroom for the first time, but many adults fail toheed that basic advice as they get further and furtheraway from kindergarten. When changing your diet, besure to include plenty of protein and carbohydrates.Protein maintains and rebuilds muscles, which is

especially important for aging men and women whomight find themselves unable to keep up with thephysical demands of everyday life as well as they usedto. Including ample low-fat protein, which can be foundin fish, eggs and low-fat dairy among other foods, willaid in muscle recovery, benefitting aging athletes aswell as those men and women over 50 who recentlystarted exercising as a means to regaining theirphysical fitness. A diet lacking in sufficient protein cancontribute to muscle deterioration, arthritis and evenorgan failure, so it’s important for men and women toprioritize including protein in their diets.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of abalanced diet, as they are a great source of energy thatcan help men and women stay active well past theage of 50. Carbohydrates found in fruits, grains andvegetables are the most beneficial, as these containvaluable vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

• Don’t denounce dairy. Dairy is a great source ofcalcium, which promotes strong bones and teeth. Menand women over the age of 50 want their bones to be asstrong as possible because aging is one of the strongestrisk factors for osteoporosis, a potentially debilitatingmedical condition in which loss of tissue causes bonesto become brittle and fragile. Vitamin D is necessary toeffectively absorb calcium, and vitamin D can be foundin certain dairy products, including pasture-raised eggsand grass-fed cow’s milk, and can be generated whenmen and women get enough sunlight. Other healthysources of vitamin D include salmon, light tuna packedin oil, sardines, and sun-grown mushrooms.

• Cut back on sodium intake. Cutting back onsodium intake can be very beneficial, especially for menand women over the age of 50, who are at greater riskof diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.But cutting back on sodium intake takes more thanjust throwing the salt shaker away. Processed foods,soups, canned goods, salad dressings, condiments suchas mustard and ketchup, and breakfast cereals are justa few of the many products that may contain alarming

amounts of sodium. That’s important tonote, as excess sodium increases bloodpressure by holding excess fluid in the body.That excess fluid puts an added burden onthe heart, potentially increasing a person’srisk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis,cancer, and kidney disease. The problemwith cutting back on sodium is that salt isso often relied on to make foods taste better,and many people find salt-free foods bland.But the rewards of reducing sodium intakeare so significant that it’s worth making theadjustment, especially for men and womenover the age of 50.

No one is too old or too young to embracea nutritious diet. But men and womenover the age of 50 are in a unique positionto vastly improve their quality of life byadopting a low-sodium diet that is rich invitamins and minerals.

Nutrition and aging gohand-in-hand

Metro Creative Connection

Heart disease is one of the leading causesof death across the globe. According to theWorld Health Organization, ischemic heartdisease, in which blood supply to the heartis reduced, is the leading cause of death inmiddle- and high-income countries and thefourth-leading cause of death in low-incomecountries.

Perhaps the most troubling fact about theprevalence of heart disease is that it can belargely preventable. The American HeartAssociation notes that there are several waysto easily improve heart health and avoidbecoming one of the millions of people tosuccumb to heart disease.

• Embrace aerobic exercise. Aerobicexercise is essential to cardiovascular health.Daily aerobic exercise, which can be assimple as walking around the neighborhood,can help men and women lower their bloodpressure, maintain a healthy weight andlower their bad cholesterol, which cancirculate in the blood and cause blockagesthat can lead to heart attack.

• Adopt a low-sodium diet that’s alsolow in cholesterol. Diet can be a friendor foe with regards to heart disease. Aheart-friendly diet that’s low in sodium andcholesterol can help you maintain healthycholesterol levels as well as a healthy bloodpressure.

• Monitor your blood pressure. A bloodpressure reading is a staple of many doctorvisits, but men and women should monitortheir blood pressure even when they aren’tvisiting their physicians. High blood pressuredoes not always produce symptoms, butthat doesn’t mean it isn’t potentially deadly.High blood pressure is the leading cause ofstroke and can contribute to heart and kidneydisease. So be sure to monitor your bloodpressure and discuss with your physicianways to lower high blood pressure.

Improving hearthealth neednotbe difficult

THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STAT ION EAGLE 50PLUS September 2, 2014 | 11

CALENDAROngoing

Sit and Fit Chair Exercises - Get a workoutwhile sitting in a chair. Seniors meet at SouthwoodCommunity Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Roadin College Station, every Monday, Tuesdayand Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m. For moredetails, contact 979-764-6351, 979-764-6371 ormrodgers@cstx.gov.

Line Dancing - Southwood CommunityCenter, 1520RockPrairieRoad inCollegeStation,holds line dancing for seniors on Tuesdays from1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 10:30 to11:30 a.m. For more information, contact 979-764-6351, 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bluegrass Jam Session – BluegrassJam Session is held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. onTuesdays at Southwood Community Center,1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Alllevels welcome. Bring string instruments and afriend. For more details, contact 979-764-6351,979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Friday Bridge - Southwood CommunityCenter, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in CollegeStation, offersoffersof bridge for seniors every Fridayfrom 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more, contact 979-764-

6351, 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.42 dominoes - Seniors meet every Thursday

to play 42 at Southwood Community Center, 1520Rock Prairie Road, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Newplayers welcome. For more details, contact 979-764-6351, 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bible study – Bible study is held for seniorsat 9:15 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln Center,1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. ContactAnnie Williams at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information.

Sept. 3Computer Club for Seniors - The Computer

Club is open to all seniors interested in learningmore about the computer world. Presentation willbe on how to set up a website. The meetings areheld at the Waste Water Facility Training Room,2200 North Forest Parkway in College Stationfrom 9 to 10:30 a.m. Free and no pre-registrationneeded. For more information contact CollegeStation Parks and Recreation Department, SeniorServices at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Colored Pencil Art Class - Designed forbeginners. Artist Crystal Wolfe guides you

through basic tools, terms andtechniques to create your ownvibrant art. Class meets onWednesdays for six weeks atSouthwood Community Centerfrom 1 to 3 p.m. Cost of theclass is $45. To register onlinevisit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486 for more information.

Sept. 8Watercolor Class - A

beginner’s course that will focuson tools, materials, techniques,composition, color theory andthe art of watercolor. Supplieswill be discussed during thefirst class meeting. Class meetsfor seven weeks on Mondaysfrom 1 to 4 p.m. at SouthwoodCommunity Center. Cost of theclass is $45. To register onlinevisit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486 for more information.

Yoga Class - Learn basic poses and skillsto manage stress and maintain strength andwellness. Progress at your own rate. Class

meets for eight weeks at Southwood Community

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Center on Mondays from 8 to 9 a.m. Cost of theclass is $85. To register online visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486 for more information.

Drawing Class for seniors - Learn thebasics of drawing. Class meets for six weekson Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon at SouthwoodCommunity Center. Cost of the class is $45.To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call for moreinformation, 979-764-3486.

Sept. 15Free Computer Class for seniors - Learn

the basics of how to search the Internet and email.Class size is limited. To register contact CollegeStation Parks and Recreation Department, SeniorServices at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Sept. 16Genealogy Class - Discover the fun of family

history. You will be introduced to several methodsof research. Class is offeredofferedof on Tuesdays for sixweeks from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at SouthwoodCommunity Center. To register contact CollegeStation Parks and Recreation Department, SeniorServices at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Taste of Home Cooking School - Theninth annual Taste of Home Cooking School willbe held at the Brazos County Expo Complex,at 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan. Doors willopen at 4 p.m., and the show will start at 6:30p.m. The Taste of Home Cooking School is anevent where a professionally trained culinaryspecialist demonstrates various recipes, tips andtechniques. The show also includes numerousbooths from local vendors featuring a varietyof home-related products. Each attendee willreceive a goody bag. To purchase tickets and formore information, visit www.theeagle.com/tohcsor call 979-731-4746.

Sept. 17Exploring History Luncheon - The College

Station Historic Preservation Committee andthe College Station Parks and RecreationDepartment present monthly lectures with lunchon the history of the community. Topic this monthis “The History of the Brazos Valley Museum” withDr. Deborah Cowman. The luncheon is held atAldersgate Church, 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway S.A reservation is necessary for lunch by the Fridaybefore; the cost is $5. Lunch is served at 11:30a.m. The speaker will begin at noon. Reserve bycontacting 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Sept. 18Movie and Popcorn: “Draft Day” - Seniors

are invited to enjoy a free movie and popcorn atSouthwood Community Center. Movie starts at1 p.m. Contact Southwood Community Center at979-764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov formore information.

Sept. 22Beginning Computer Class for seniors -

This class is designed for seniors who would liketo learn how to use the Internet and email. Classmeets for two weeks on Monday and Wednesdayfrom 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Southwood CommunityCenter. Cost of the class is $45. To register onlinevisit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486 formore information.

Intermediate Computer Class for seniors- Basic computer skills required. Move to thenext level and learn more tips on creating andstoring documents. Class meets on Mondayand Wednesday for two weeks from 10:45 a.m.to 12:15 p.m. at Southwood Community Center.Cost of the class is $45. Register online at rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486.

Sept. 24Fall Prevention Awareness Day – Will be

held from9a.m. to noon at SouthwoodCommunityCenter. Hear speakers and visit informationbooths that will provide informational tips onsafety. The event is free and open to all. ContactSouthwood Community Center at 979-764-6351

or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more details.

Sept. 25A Matter of Balance Class - This is a free

class open to participants who are 60 yearsor older. Participants will learn to view fear offalling as controllable; set realistic goals toincrease activity; change their environment toreduce fall risk factors; and exercise to increasestrength and balance. This eight-week classmeets on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. atthe Southwood Community Center. Register bycalling 979-764-6351. Email mrodgers@cstx.govfor more information.

Sept. 26Bingo & Birthday Celebration - Seniors

are invited on the last Friday of each month tocelebrate birthdays for that month with cake andbingo. Held at 1 p.m. at Southwood CommunityCenter, 1520 Rock Prairie Road. ContactSouthwood Community Center at 979-764-6351or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information.

Sept. 29Senior Advisory Committee meeting - The

Senior Advisory Committee meets on the lastMonday of each month at Southwood CommunityCenter, 1520 Rock Prairie Road at 10 a.m.Visitors welcome. For more information call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

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