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CONTENTS DEB GEISSLER PUBLISHER KIMBERLY BRUCKS ADVERTISING MANAGER JOSE DE LA CRUZ SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER SANDRA BARONI GRAPHIC DESIGNER News: news@desertentertainer.com Advertising: kbrucks@desertentertainer.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER ALISON ELSNER

RETIREMENT READINESS HITTING THE RETIREMENT PREPARATION SWEET SPOT. PAGE 28

DISTRIBUTION

All delivery inquiries should be directed to Desert Fox Distribution at 760-989-0882 or DesertFoxDist007@aol.com.

PRIORITY HEALTH Foods that are good for your brain and simple ways to squeeze in some exercise.

THE ESSENTIALS Six things to know when buying hearing aids.

REV UP YOUR RECREATION Check out the plethora of recreational opportunities that surround us, ready to make us better, stronger and more alive.

LIVE ACTIVE Feel good while getting fit.

FRESH FRUIT FLAVORS When it comes to fresh fruit, watermelon is a top pick in many households.

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT Help fight inflammation with food.

SKIN WELLNESS The truth about what makes your skin dry and itchy in the winter.

RETIREMENT READINESS Hitting the retirement preparation sweet spot.

Office is located at: 41-995 Boardwalk, Suite L2 Palm Desert, CA 92211 10 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Closed Major Holidays Phone: 760-776-5181 Fax: 760-776-5733 News, photos, editorial submissions or story ideas should be sent to news@desertentertainer.com

SIMPLE WAYS Start on the path to healthier living with these tips. HEALTH & WELLNESS Seven tips for managing diabetes.

HEALTH TREATMENTS Hocatt and HUGO .

SNACK BENEFITS 10 reasons to go NUTS.

Entertainment and events sometimes change after press deadline. Please check with venues to confirm the date and times. desertentertainer.com desertmobilehomenews.com canadasouthmagazine.com Titles registered and all contents copyright 2018 by the Hi-Desert Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

SEVEN TIPS FOR MANAGING DIABETES PAGE 12

FRESH FRUIT FLAVORS PAGE 22

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HEALTH BEAT 1. Do a few squats while you wash your hands 2. Dance while you clean up your house 3. Do some strength exercises (such as sit-ups) during commercial breaks while watching TV FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN Your brain needs more than 40 distinct nutritional elements to function properly, meaning that a varied diet goes a long way toward optimal cognitive health. Some foods are particularly beneficial to the human brain, including the following: 1. Fish. Salmon, trout, mackerel and tuna are all packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have a protective effect on neurons. 2. Berries. There’s a reason blueberries, blackberries, goji berries and the like are sometimes referred to as super foods. Berries contain high concentrations of antioxidants, which have been shown to slow the progression of agerelated cognitive decline. 3. Low glycemic index carbohydrates. Foods with a low glycemic index, such as brown

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rice, whole grains and cooked beans, contain slow-release carbs that progressively make their way into the bloodstream. This helps the brain maintain its energy supply throughout the day—in fact, half of your daily carb intake is used to power your gray matter. 4. Pulses. Lentils, peas and beans are good sources of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, which plays an important role in converting sugars into energy.

4. Stand on the tips of your toes while doing the dishes to work your calf muscles 5. Flex your arms while carrying groceries 6. Whether you’re at the office or the mall, make it a rule to take the stairs rather than the elevator or escalator 7. Park far away from building entrances

5. Mussels. These tasty mollusks have a higher iron content than red meat. Your body uses iron to ensure that oxygen is properly circulated through the bloodstream. Needless to say, your brain needs its oxygen.

8. Walk or ride your bike to work or, if that isn’t feasible, park a few minutes away from your office and walk the rest of the way

SIMPLE WAYS TO SQUEEZE IN SOME EXERCISE Looking to get more exercise but can’t seem to find the time? Take advantage of every spare moment to get moving.

10. Stretch your muscles during coffee breaks

9. Stand, don’t sit, while riding public transit

You see: it’s easy to get active during the day, no matter how busy you are.

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DATEBOOK

ut with the old, in with the new, as they say. So just what does “new” mean for you in 2018? This is prime time, so to speak, to usher in some new habits – ways to upgrade, improve and prolong your life, both in quantity and quality. It’s easy to get into a rut with our routines. But we are fortunate enough to live here in this slice of paradise, the envy of friends and family around the country who must endure harsher climes and much less aesthetically appealing environs. There is a plethora of recreational opportunities that surround us, ready to make us better, stronger and more alive.

HIKING / WALKING There are so many ways to get out on the walking path, the beauty of which is that you can instantly regulate your pace and distance with every step. One idea is to tackle a finite area, such as taking “laps” for free inside

Westfield Palm Desert (westfieldpalmdesert. com) or planning a brisk stroll inside Moorten Botanical Garden in south Palm Springs. The Garden is open every day except Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for a $5 admission fee (moortenbotanicalgarden.com). For those who are a little more serious, there is an abundance of area hiking trails. Favorites include the “Bump and Grind Trail”, a free, three mile loop accessed in Palm Desert, distinguished by beautiful wild flowers and a moderate difficulty level (alltrails.com/trail/ us/california/bump-and-grind-trail). The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is famous for its numerous hiking trails. Mt. San Jacinto State Park offers 54 miles of trails located within 14,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Trails are accessed by exiting the Mountain Station and descending a concrete pathway to Long Valley, where hikers will find picnic tables, the ranger station, flush toilets and sev-

eral trails, from easy to moderate. Tram fare is $24 - $26 per person or an annual pass may be purchased for $160. (pstramway.com). However, there is a little shortcut that’s worth noting, and the cost is free. To get in a great work out with scenic views of the majestic valley below, just park at the Palm Springs Visitor’s Center lot at the base of the Tram Road (at North Palm Canyon Drive), strap on your water bottle and start hiking up the hill. This hike provides rigorous conditioning, and, again, you proceed at your own pace, turning around to descend back down whenever you start feeling tuckered out.

BIKING If you’re not quite ready to purchase a bike, you can rent one at Bike Palm Springs Rentals, located in downtown Palm Springs next to the Hard Rock Hotel. Rental rates are $30 per day or $23 per half day, for up to 4 hours. You can

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also rent at $80 for 3 days or $120 for the week (bikepsrentals.com). However, for the cost of a weekly rental, you can purchase a bike for the same outlay at Walmart, Palm Springs Cyclery in Palm Springs, Tri-A-Bike in Palm Desert or have your new wheels delivered from and assembled by smile.amazon.com. Whether you rent or buy, there are dozens of bike trails around the valley, such as the 13 mile Palm Springs Citywide Tour which takes riders from the north end residential districts to the golf courses, country clubs, and retirement condominiums on the south end of town or the Deepwell Tour, a three and a half mile ride through Palm Springs’ older, picturesque, palm-lined residential streets. Other favorite trails include the route that winds along El Paseo and the surrounding neighborhoods in Palm Desert, Old Town La Quinta and the Cove neighborhood, the more strenuous Thousand Palms Canyon and numerous others.

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If you really want to put your bike to use, this could be your year to participate in the Tour de Palm Springs. The 20th annual event will take place on February 9 and 10, 2018, with bike routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles and even including a one and a half mile and a three mile walk. The 10 mile bike ride winds through scenic Palm Springs, the 25 mile ride tours Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Palm Desert, the 50 mile “Desert Scape” route travels from Palm Springs to Thousand Palms, Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Palm Desert and Cathedral City with lunch served from Fresh and Easy and the 100 mile “Escape the City Lights Ride” traverses the entire Coachella Valley, with separate start times for experienced riders and those looking for more of a leisurely ride. Over 80 charities will receive proceeds from the event, and registration fees range from $15 to $100, corresponding to mileage (tourdepalmsprings.com).

TENNIS Not to worry if you haven’t picked up a racket in many years. Grab a pal and bounce on over to one the many public courts here in the desert, or go solo and practice your swing and footwork on one of the many backboards. Beautifully landscaped, free courts and backboards can be found at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs (palmsprings-ca.gov), Demuth Park in Palm Springs (palmsprings-ca.gov), Palm Desert Civic Center Park (cityofpalmdesert.org), Fritz Burns Park in La Quinta (laquinta.org) and Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage (ranchomirageca.gov). Courts are also available at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for a membership fee (iwtg.net).

JOIN A GYM Some healthcare and Medicare insurance plans include a “Silver Sneakers” gym membership. Even if yours doesn’t, there are doz-

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ens of gyms around the Coachella Valley, offering extremely reasonable membership dues, many of which are month by month with no or low initiation fees and a range of cardio and weight-lifting equipment so you can work out at a comfortable level. Anytime Fitness is user-friendly for all ages and pocketbooks, offering a low-key exercise experience for beginners as well as fitness regulars, without a lot of intimidating mirrors. Both desert locations, in Palm Desert and Indio, are open 24 hours a day. Members receive a key to conveniently and safely enter the facility during evening hours when gym staff has gone home, and personal training is also available. There are 3,000 franchised locations in 20 countries, including hundreds throughout California and the country, with reciprocal use for current members. Locations offer seven day free passes for those who want to try it out first, and monthly dues are around $29 with periodic (and frequent) specials to join for just one dollar (36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, 760-469-4648 and 44100 Jefferson Street, Indio, 760-7729772, anytimefitness.com). Other clean, safe, affordable and accessible local gyms include 24 Hour Fitness in Indio (24hourfitness.com), World Gym in Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Desert Hot Springs (worldgym.com) and Curves, a club just for women, in Bermuda Dunes (curves.com). Recreation involves the mind as well as the body, and it incorporates wellness, culture and emotional stamina. The secret is to try something a little out of the ordinary and challenge yourself just enough to make it interesting. Introducing new elements to your routine will not only build muscle mass but also brain cells. Even small efforts to increase recreational activity are likely to enhance self-esteem and feelings of empowermentâ€Śthe perfect precursors to making this your year.

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HEALTHY LIFE

Simple Ways

to Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

hen it comes to creating a healthy lifestyle, some recommendations are fairly simple, such as exercising regularly and eating right. Many people, however, don’t know how much exercise they should get or which foods are the best choices. They also may not realize there are other ways to take care of your body and mind to promote better overall health. Start on the path to healthier living with these tips from the wellness experts at Walgreens.

Exercise Regularly

The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity at least five days a week, and that’s be-

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cause an active lifestyle can help you achieve far more than muscle mass or weight loss. Regular exercise can also contribute to mental well-being, and even something as simple as a walking break or two at work can provide health benefits.

Eat Well

The keys to a healthy diet are eating the right amount of calories for your activity level and eating a wide range of foods to ensure that you’re receiving all the nutrients your body needs. By prioritizing great taste and ingredient guidelines, such as minimizing hydrogenated oils, trans fats and artificial ingredients, Walgreens Nice! products help take the

guesswork out of making healthier choices. In an effort to simplify healthy living, the line’s packaging, products and ingredient standards were updated, and offerings now include organic and gluten-free options in addition to traditional baking goods and other general grocery items.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being, and can help improve your mental health, physical health and quality of life. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours per night for adults and 9-11 hours for school-aged children. If you find sleep elusive, try implementing a bedtime routine to send

HEALTHY LIFE

signals to your body that itâ€™s time to sleep, avoid screen time immediately before lights out and eliminate caffeine after lunch.

Manage Stress

Between juggling a career, family and other commitments, itâ€™s easy to find things to stress over. Practices such as meditation and yoga can help to better manage stress. Setting aside time for a favorite hobby can also help relieve stress and focus on an activity you enjoy. Aside

from mental and emotional impacts, stress can also impact your physical health, so itâ€™s important to identify coping mechanisms that reduce overall stress.

Be Social

Making time to socialize with friends and family is an important part of living a long and healthy life. Even if your schedule is packed, try to block out time at least once a week to spend with family and friends.

Break Bad Habits

Whatever their nature, work to break bad habits by first acknowledging the problem then working to replace the negativity with alternatives that make a more positive impact on your life. Even a negative attitude can bring you down. To discover more ways to make healthy lifestyle choices, visit walgreens.com/nice.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

taying healthy can be a challenge, especially for those living with diabetes. Everyone can have conflicts finding the right balance of partaking in healthy habits, such as exercise, eating well and even keeping your teeth and gums clean. From stress to self-care, life can be up and down when you’re living with diabetes. These seven tips from Dr. Natalie Strand, the winner of season 17 of “The Amazing Race” who lives with diabetes herself, can help you stay healthy and lead a balanced life while managing your diabetes.

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Communicate with your care team. Make sure you connect with your nurse educator, endocrinologist and dietician. Reach out to them with your questions as they can often help you implement subtle changes to avoid completely overhauling your lifestyle and routine because of diabetes. Get involved. Get a local group together to fundraise, vent or just understand each other. Groups such as Diabetes Sisters, JDRF, TuDiabetes and BeyondType1 offer ways to connect with others living with diabetes in person or

on social media. Connecting with the diabetes community can be a powerful way to help ease the burden of living with diabetes. Keep doing what you love. Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up doing what you love. Make efforts to continue sports, travel and other hobbies, even if there is a learning curve to adapting with diabetes at first. Maintain good oral health. People living with diabetes are two times more likely to de-

HEALTH & WELLNESS diabetes can help. For example, pick a time each year for your annual visits: eye doctor, endocrinologist, renew prescriptions, etc. Picking the same time of year every year can help ensure you donâ€™t forget to take care of yourself. Make self-care a priority. It can be hard to keep diabetes care in the forefront. It can be boring, exhausting and also fade into the background. Remind yourself that one of the best things you can do for yourself, and for your loved ones, is stay healthy. Use your family as motivation to exercise daily, eat betterfor-you foods and maintain a healthy weight. Manage stress. Diabetes can be a big stressor. Add jobs, kids, relationships and it can become overwhelming. Find an easy and effective tool for stress relief and do it often. Even 5-10 minutes of guided meditation daily can have a big impact on stress management. velop gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Colgate Total toothpaste is FDA-approved to help reverse and prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.

Get into a routine. Find a routine that works and stick with it. This way you donâ€™t have to make new decisions each day. Anything that can ease the mental burden of

For more information and ways to lead a balanced life with diabetes, visit OralHealthandDiabetes.com.

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WELLNESS

HEALTH

TREATMENTS The Hocatt Ozone Therapy Sauna The HUGO PEMF device

ocatt, that delivers ozone at the cellular level, has arrived exclusively in the Coachella Valley at Venus de Fido in Palm Desert. Hocatt is an Ozone Therapy Sauna which is safe, has no side effects, and is effective for almost every condition a person suffers from. There are successful scientific studies that have been done for years in Europe, the UK, Asia, South Africa, New Zealand, and all over the world that used Ozone Therapy to treat health conditions and disorders. It is fairly new to the United States and the founder of the Hocatt, Andre Hugo Smith, visited the Coachella Valley in November when Bette King Productions presented Produc-Con at Venus de Fido. The HUGO, which is a PEMF device, helps with many health conditions in a twelve-minute treatment program. Everyoneâ€™s conditions are different and everyoneâ€™s bodies react differently, but one thing for sure: it is safe, has no side effects, and effective for such conditions as listed below: Injuries/Sports Injuries, Back Pain, Weight Loss, Neuropathy, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, Knee Pain, Skin Disorders, High Blood Pressure, Erectile Dysfunction, Infertility Issues, Pain Management, Anti-Aging, and Detoxification. You can check the website, Ozone-PEMF.com, to get more detailed information on the many conditions the treatments alleviate. To get more information, call Riggs Technology Associates at 760-202-4007 or email RTAOZONE@gmail.com.

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HEALTH BEAT

or the roughly 75 million Americans who make up the baby boom generation, a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons against age-related diseases. “It’s vital at any age to adopt good habits to live a strong, fit and healthy life,” says Dr. Mike Roussell, a nationally recognized nutrition consultant and nutrition adviser to Men’s Health and Shape. “Fueling your life with tasty and nutrient-rich foods while making sure to be active every single day are essential components to keeping your body young and vibrant.” Roussell’s recommendation? Nuts. In particular, pistachios. “Pistachios are a multitasking nut with fiber, healthy fats, and three specific types of antioxidants that may help fight the onset of age-related conditions that lead to poor health in these 10 ways.” 1. Heart health: Large population studies show that people who regularly eat nuts, such as pistachios, have a lower risk of dying from heart disease or suffering a heart attack. Pistachios provide 360-degree cardiovascular support in that they can promote improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood vessel function. 2. Anti-inflammatory: Excessive inflammation is one of the root causes of age-related conditions, such as arthritis. Pistachios contain a special form of vitamin E called gamma tocopherol, which has unique anti-inflammatory properties. Gamma tocopherol levels have also been shown to decrease as we age.

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3. Weight loss: Being overweight can also contribute to a number of age-related illnesses. Studies show pistachios positively promote weight maintenance as the dietary fiber, fat and protein all work together to make us feel fuller and satiated longer, plus removing them from the shell slows down eating. Pistachios are also the lowest-fat nut. 4. Digestion: The fiber in pistachios also can help with digestion. Research shows that the fiber in pistachios works as a prebiotic and feeds the good bacteria in our digestive tract to improve the health of our digestive system. A single serving of pistachios contains as much as 3 grams of dietary fiber. 5. Blood glucose level: Developing adult onset diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes, is a common fear for boomers. The American Diabetes Association praises the health benefits of nuts, including pistachios, calling them a diabetes superfood because they improve how the body’s cells use glucose and how insulin responds to a carbohydrate-containing meal, namely, stabilizing blood glucose levels. 6. Skin health and appearance: UV light from the sun promotes damage and accelerates the aging of our skin. Pistachios contain two carotenoid antioxidants that are concentrated in the skin and work to filter out and protect it against the damaging effects of UV light. 7. Eyesight: Pistachios contain lutein, a nu-

trient known to help improve eye health, especially in older individuals. Lutein has been shown to prevent and slow down macular degeneration by providing more pigment for the eye, thereby reflecting more of the sun’s light, preventing damage to the retina. 8. Memory: Preliminary research shows that the fatty acids and antioxidants found in pistachios can help support brain health. The antioxidants in pistachios can help ward off excessive inflammation in the brain, a major cause of accelerated cognitive decline. Another study found that eating pistachios stimulated brain waves that aid the formation of ideas and memory processing. 9. Sleep: Nuts, including pistachios, are rich in minerals such as magnesium. One benefit of magnesium is that it may aid sleep because it assists in helping the muscles relax and quiet activity in the brain by working as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. 10. Energy: Pistachios have been shown to promote energy, which is why so many professional athletes consume them while training. More energy means we’ll commit to getting enough exercise. But what is Dr. Mike’s main reason for having his clients eat pistachios? “They taste good. People are much more likely to stick to a healthy diet when the food is tasty and fun to eat.”

HEARING AIDS

When buying hearing aids 6 essential things to know

eing an informed health care consumer is hard work. There is information everywhere. But how do you sift through it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is reliable and what isnâ€™t? Sorting through the noise when buying hearing aids is no exception. In the past several months, there has been significant media coverage and social media discussion about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which will make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter in the next several years. At the same time, there are many advertisements about devices called Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) - which are not hearing aids and are not designed to treat hearing loss - adding to the confusion. To help consumers cut through the clutter, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has pulled together six essential facts for people with

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hearing loss who are considering the purchase of hearing aids. BHI recommends that anyone who is ready to address their hearing loss keep these six points in mind: 1) Addressing hearing loss promptly and appropriately is important for health and quality of life. Research shows that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, depression, an increased risk of falls and hospitalization, and greater health care costs. Hearing loss also is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, obesity, sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis, studies show. 2) Hearing loss is not a simple mechanical issue and cannot be remedied as easily as buying a pair of reader glasses at the grocery store. Hearing loss is a complex sensory loss. It in-

volves brain function and frequency losses specific to the individual. Human hearing involves a multifaceted interplay between specific parts of the ears and brain. For this reason, hearing aids - which are designed specifically to compensate for hearing loss - must be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure safety and efficacy. 3) Hearing aids need to be custom-fitted and programmed specifically for the individual so they correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. The beauty of authentic hearing aids is that theyâ€™re tailored - through personalized fitting, programming and follow-up adjustments - to correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. This gives the wearer the greatest benefit and ensures that the level of amplification is appropriate across the entire frequency spectrum. Follow-

HEARING AIDS

up hearing aid adjustments, along with training to help consumers adjust to amplification and re-learn how to hear and process sounds they had been missing, further increase user satisfaction. 4) Personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) are not hearing aids and are not cleared by the FDA to treat hearing loss. Consumers need to be careful not to confuse hearing aids with PSAPs, which simply turn up the volume - sometimes to dangerously high decibel levels - regardless of the individual’s specific hearing needs. Over-amplifying in this way may put the consumer at risk of greater hearing damage. 5) Seeing a hearing care professional is the best safety net for proper diagnosis and treatment. Going to a hearing care professional helps ensure that any underlying medical issue behind a hearing loss is identified and addressed. It also helps ensure that the person’s hearing loss is safely and effectively treated. Hearing care professionals - audiologists, hearing aid specialists and ENTs (Ear, Nose and Throat doctors or doctors of otology and otolaryngology) - are best suited to help consumers with hearing loss. Audiologists and hearing aid specialists are expressly trained in all aspects of hearing aids and amplification, and they are state-licensed. Many work in practices with ENT doctors. They have the most appropriate and accurate equipment to give a precise read of an individual’s current hearing level. Involving a hearing health care professional also means the consumer gets maximum benefit from their hearing aids. 6) Currently, hearing aids are only sold by licensed hearing care professionals. Today, real hearing aids cannot be purchased in the U.S. without the involvement of a licensed hearing care professional. The way hearing aids are sold, however, will change in a few years due to the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which was signed into law in August 2017. Nevertheless, the complex nature of hearing loss will not change. The safest thing consumers can do for their hearing is to seek professional hearing health care advice from the start. BHI urges consumers with hearing loss to remain encouraged. Most people with hearing loss can benefit from custom-fitted and programmed hearing aids. In fact, 91 percent of people who purchased hearing aids in the last year say they are happy with their purchase, and 90 percent say they would recommend getting hearing aids to family members and friends, BHI research shows. For information on types of hearing loss, visit betterhearing.org/news/hereswhat-you-need-know-about-different-types-hearing-loss.

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ACTIVE

Feel good while getting fit S etting intentions is a powerful thing. Then when you have that shiny new gym membership in hand, you feel like nothing stands between you and your goals to get in shape once and for all. Trouble is, lack of motivation, unpreparedness and busy schedules have a way of interfering with our plans. If you find yourself struggling to stick to your goals, you’re in good company. A whopping 67 percent of people surveyed by Statistic Brain in 2017 said they have gym memberships they never use. Even after a great start, you may find yourself struggling to find motivation to stay on track. Try one of these tips to make it easier to make your fitness regimen stick and most importantly - feel good while getting fit!

Get a workout buddy: If getting out of bed or off the couch is your biggest challenge, it’s time to use the phone-a-friend solution for some motivation. Find someone you like who’s at a similar fitness level and make plans to meet up for a workout. Psychologically, you’ll be much more likely to show up for the class, the weight session or the morning run

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when you know someone’s waiting for you. Plus, working out will be a breeze with your buddy.

Streamline your routine: Don’t let your fear of sweat keep you from getting fit. With a few tricks, you can get back to glam in minutes, even when you lack time to shower. First, make smart use of the tools they have on hand at the gym. Grab some extra towels and pound out that treadmill run with the high-powered fan on full blast. In the locker room, hand dryers (and a dab of dry shampoo) are great for getting your tresses looking great again. Cleansing cloths at the ready can also be a lifesaver. Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths let you freshen up on the go and are balanced to a woman’s natural pH, so you’ll always leave the gym feeling fresh and ready to take on the world. Inspire your ears: Let’s face facts: Workouts get tedious. If the thought of sprinting and lifting your way through the next circuit bores you to tears, try uploading your playlist with fast-paced music that gets your heart racing. Don’t worry what others think - this is for your

ears only! If it makes you feel good, you’ll be more likely to experience a positive workout. Be ready for action: As soon as you’re home from your session, re-pack your gym bag as soon as possible so you’ll never waste a moment hunting around the house for your workout gear, such as sneakers, earbuds and products that help you ease back into your day. Stash essentials like Summer’s Eve Cleansing Wash in your bag as well for days that you can fit in a quick shower after your workout. It not only gently cleanses and freshens your skin after a grueling workout, it removes odor-causing bacteria, so you’ll feel fantastic, inside and out. Update your attire: Ever notice how easy it is to get out of bed when you know you have a new outfit to wear to work? Feeling good about how you look can put a spring in your step and motivate you to get up and out the door. When you notice that your fitness routine is lagging, maybe it’s time to spruce up your workout attire. Bonus: If you’ve lost a few pounds, you’ll get an extra lift from that ego boost.

NUTRITION

hen it comes to fresh fruit, watermelon is a top pick in many households. It’s available year-round and makes for a nutritious snack, but its great taste is the reason most people buy watermelon, according to research from the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Not only is watermelon a tasty snack by itself, it’s a great complement to other flavors, making it easy to create flavorful pairings. This sweet take on pizza combines watermelon with a host of other good-for-you ingredients for a delicious treat. Healthy enough for breakfast and sweet enough for dessert, this pizza can make its way into your weekly meal rotation. For another nutritious option, consider this Buddha bowl featuring watermelon, which contains higher levels of lycopene, an antioxidant, than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C, and it provides vitamin B6 and potassium. It’s the perfect sweet addition to balance the savory flavors of this traditional plant-based Buddha bowl. Each of these recipes leaves plenty of room for personalization; experiment with your favorite flavors to make each dish your own. Also remember that watermelon travels well, so these recipes make for ideal take-along snacks when you’re on the go. Find more fresh, fruity recipes to enjoy any time of year at watermelon.org.

Watermelon Buddha Bowl Citrusy Tahini Dressing: • 3 tablespoons tahini (ground sesame seed paste) • 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice • 1/4 cup rice vinegar • 1 teaspoon soy sauce • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger • 1/2 teaspoon salt Buddha Bowls: • 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed • 4 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced • 1 cup sweet cherries, pitted and halved • 2 avocados, sliced • 2 cups cooked black rice • 1 cup sliced, toasted almonds • Citrusy Tahini Dressing

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NUTRITION To make Citrusy Tahini Dressing: In bowl, whisk tahini, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger and salt. If dressing seems thick, add more orange juice or water to reach desired consistency. To arrange Buddha Bowls: Separate watermelon, cucumbers, cherries, avocados and rice in four bowls. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.

Sweet Watermelon Pizza • Greek yogurt • Watermelon, cut to 1-inch thick round slice • Shredded coconut • Mint • Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries or blackberries • Slivered almonds Spread yogurt to cover fleshy part of watermelon, leaving room to hold rind. Sprinkle with coconut, mint, berries and almonds, or other toppings, as desired.

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RECIPE

HELP FIGHT INFLAMMATION WITH FOOD

n top of being tasty, certain foods contain specific nutrients and natural compounds that may help fight inflammation, a condition linked to arthritis and gout. With that in mind, try heading to the fridge or pantry the next time you feel joint pain, swelling or stiff knees. Colorful fruits and vegetables, including ruby red tart cherries and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, are among the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods, along with oily fish (salmon, sardines and scallops), nuts, seeds and whole grains. Ingredients such as ginger, turmeric and olive oil may also help combat inflammation. For an inflammation-fighting boost, Montmorency tart cherries contain the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food,” according to research conducted at Oregon Health & Science University. Results show that cherry intake can help reduce blood levels of gout-causing uric acid and reduce the

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painful symptoms of osteoarthritis. Research also shows that Montmorency tart cherry juice can reduce post-exercise inflammation and muscle pain. “For decades, people with arthritis and gout have consumed tart cherry juice for pain relief. Now there’s scientific evidence to back up this popular folklore remedy,” said registered dietitian Michelle Babb, author of “Anti-Inflammatory Eating Made Easy.” “Since Montmorency tart cherries are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins, a potent type of flavonoid, they can offer a natural way to help ease the pain related to arthritis and gout.” To help fight inflammation with food, try this recipe for Bay Scallop, Baby Kale and Corn Salad with Tart Cherry Granola, which is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Learn more about the research on Montmorency tart cherries and inflammation, and find more recipes, at choosecherries.com.

Bay Scallop, Baby Kale and Corn Salad with Tart Cherry Granola Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Yield: 1 salad Savory Granola: • 1/3 cup oats • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds • 2 tablespoons buckwheat groats • 2 tablespoons pepitas • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons honey • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard • salt and pepper • 1/4 cup dried Montmorency tart cherries Dressing: • 1 shallot, minced • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

RECIPE • 2 tablespoons dried tart cherries • 2 tablespoons tart cherry juice • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar • 1 teaspoon honey • salt and pepper

starts to turn golden brown and crispy around edges. Remove from oven, add cherries, toss to combine, spread into single layer and let cool. To make dressing: In food processor, process shallot, olive oil, cherries, cherry juice, mustard, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper until smooth.

Salad: • 10 ounces baby kale • 1 grilled ear of corn, kernels sliced off • 1 cup sprouts (alfalfa or microgreens) • 1/2 tablespoon butter • 8 ounces bay scallops, patted dry To make savory granola: Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or baking mat. In large bowl, combine oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds, buckwheat groats and pepitas. In small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour wet ingredients into large bowl and toss until well combined. Spread mixture onto baking sheet in single layer and bake 18-20 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until granola

To make salad: Place kale, corn kernels and sprouts in large bowl; set aside. In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Once hot, add scallops and cook until golden and starting to caramelize on one side. Flip and repeat on other side. Add scallops to large salad bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss until well combined. Break up granola into small pieces and add to salad bowl. Toss lightly before serving.

JANUARY 2018

PRIMETIME

SKIN CARE

THE TRUTH

ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOUR SKIN DRY AND ITCHY IN THE WINTER

e wait all year for activities that come along with winter, like sipping hot cocoa by the fire or staying in to snuggle up under cozy blankets while re-watching our favorite movies. The winter season also brings some lessthan-desirable side effects, though. An alltoo-common winter woe is dry, flaky skin that can feel itchy, tight or painful. In fact, a recent survey conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CeraVe among more than 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that 55 percent of Americans feel having dry skin in the winter and having chapped lips are among the things they dislike most. Moreover, 57 percent of Americans said having healthy skin is more important than staying up-to-date on social media, 23 percent would move to another climate if it promised healthier skin and 18 percent would give up their favorite food for the duration of winter if it meant not having dry skin for the season. The good news is that none of those tradeoffs are necessary, because treating and pre-

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venting this wintertime discomfort can be helped with a simple change, says Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in New York City. “In the winter, the conditions are much harsher on the skin, which means your skin has different needs,” Henry says. “So when the seasons change, that just means it’s time to switch up your skincare routine, just like you change the way you dress and how you spend time outdoors.” Henry shares some of the common causes of dry winter skin, along with her expert tips for cold-weather skincare so you can start feeling better all over.

“During the winter months, the skin contains more moisture than the air,” Henry says. “What happens is the dry environment leeches the moisture from the skin, leaving it looking and feeling dry and dull.” Moisture loss, dryness and cracking comes as a result of damage to the skin barrier. To replenish your taxed skin, slather on a rich emollient that contains ceramides daily. Ceramides are like the mortar that holds the bricks of your skin together and are essential to healthy skin. For on-the-go relief, tote along small containers of moisturizer wherever you go.

1. DRY AIR IS EVERYWHERE

2. TOO MUCH (OR NOT ENOUGH) EXFOLIATION

You may think that the outside air is to blame for your dry skin. While this may hold some truth, heated indoor air also has very little humidity. When you spend your life basking in this dry environment, your skin eventually pays the price.

Make no mistake, exfoliation is important to year-round skincare, but adding it in the winter is essential. This process clears away dead skin cells and product residue, letting your winter moisturizers penetrate the skin and work more effectively, Henry says. Steer clear

SKIN CARE of products with beads and grains that strip and irritate the skin, especially in the winter. Instead, choose formulas designed to be gentle on sensitive complexions. 3. TOO MANY LONG, HOT SHOWERS On a cold winter morning, a long shower that really steams up the mirror is relaxing and feels great. However, Dr. Henry says these long sessions are drying for the skin (and don’t get you any cleaner). “I recommend that my patients keep showers under 10 minutes in lukewarm water,” Henry says. Afterwards, she says, pat yourself with a towel so some moisture is left behind on the skin, and then seal it in by applying lotion all over. 4. EXCESSIVE HAND WASHING Hands can take a beating during the winter months. With germs running rampant all season, hand -washing is important to stay healthy, but those who wash their

hands frequently tend to suffer more from dry skin, she says. Give hands some extra TLC this time of year. After washing, always apply a thick lotion to protect against and heal dry, cracked hands. Henry recommends CeraVe Healing Ointment, a gentle formula that contains three essential ceramides to provide intense, longlasting moisturization, while soothing dry, chapped skin. 5. YOUR PRODUCTS ARE TOO HARSH Your winter skin care regimen should be different from your summer routine. Many summertime products are designed to remove dirt, oil and sweat, but when it gets colder and dryer, these products may become drying and irritating. Henry recommends switching your facial cleanser or body wash from a foam or gel to a creambased moisturizing formula. For more ideas on how to get soothing relief and protection for your sensitive winter skin, visit cerave.com.

JANUARY 2018

PRIMETIME

MONEY MATTERS

recent study by the Center for Retirement Research (CRR) at Boston College suggests an alarming state of awareness about retirement readiness: Of surveyed households, 33 percent realize they are not well prepared, 19 percent are not well prepared but don’t know it, and 24 percent are well prepared but don’t know it. For the Americans at risk of not being able to maintain an adequate retirement lifestyle, it’s critical to take action. For the households that are well prepared and don’t know it, they risk sacrificing a comfortable retirement. Understanding the behaviors associated with good retirement planning, in turn, can help you get a better sense of where you stand. Consider the following behaviors, which are more likely to be modeled by those who are well prepared for retirement.

Asset Accumulation A high-level approach to ensuring adequate retirement assets is to save a minimum of 10 percent of your gross income each year. You may need to save even more depending on your asset accumulation goals and how many years you have left to save before retirement. If you would rather have a dollar goal, multiply your annual income goal by 25 to arrive at the amount you should try to save. For example, if after considering Social Security and any pension payment, you want $30,000 more of annual income in retirement, you will need to save $750,000. Lower goals mean you need to withdraw at a faster rate and increase the risk you will deplete your assets too soon.

Budgeting Not all budgets need to detail specific spending items. Rather, you can consider yourself working within a budget if you know that each year you are saving and not creating new debt (and paying off legacy debt for your education or home). If you want to squeeze out more savings, a line-by-line review of spending may well be fruitful.

Personal Debt Many of us are saddled with personal debt from college and graduate school. This debt has become so burdensome that the customary progression to home ownership has been delayed for many. The debt has also had a domino effect on the ability to save for retirement. Paying down personal debt should

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MONEY MATTERS be job one. Other personal debt, such as for a car purchase, should be avoided, minimized or paid down as quickly as possible. Credit card debt, which carries high interest rates, should be avoided entirely. Remember, each dollar of debt limits your ability to save for the future.

Mortgage Debt It used to be commonly accepted that you pay off your mortgage before retirement, but more and more retirees are entering retirement with mortgage debt. The old rule remains the best approach, since any indebtedness in retirement will limit your ability to react and adjust to poor investment return on your assets.

Social Security With traditional pension plans less commonly offered by employers, Social Security has become an even

more important source of guaranteed lifetime retirement income. By waiting to age 70, you can increase the benefit payment significantly, which is also the base for annual Social Security cost-of-living increases for the rest of your life. That increased Social Security benefit may also increase the benefit that a surviving spouse will receive after you die. Unless you have a health care issue that could reduce your life expectancy and no spouse who might need a spousal benefit based on your earnings record, claiming Social Security early is the greatest retirement planning mistake made.

Health Care Health care is the single greatest cost in retirement, and various studies estimate the cost to be $250,000 or more for a healthy 65-year-old couple. The cost of health care will be even greater to the extent one

JANUARY 2018

PRIMETIME

MONEY MATTERS retires before age 65 and Medicare eligibility. Moreover, health care costs can vary and may come sooner than expected. The best plan, then, is to work until at least age 65 and understand that health care is a unique challenge in retirement. To the extent possible, utilize Health Savings Accounts and bank any unused amounts annually to build up a taxfree health care fund for retirement.

Income Planning No later than 10 years before your planned retirement, you should be translating your retirement assets into an annual or monthly retirement income stream. Start with your Social Security and any pension plan payments as your income base, and then consider how much income your other assets can safely generate. Depending on this analysis, you may want to consider purchasing an annuity to make more of your retirement income guaranteed and avoid the twin risks of poor investment return and living longer than expected. Consider also that many of your retirement assets have an embedded tax liability. You will

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JANUARY 2018

need to look through your retirement assets to determine after-tax income, since your food, rent and cable bills are paid with after-tax money. Only by seeing your after-tax income can you decide if you have enough to live on.

Annual Financial Wellness Check-ups During your early working years, you are likely to be focused on debt reduction and asset accumulation. As you get closer to retirement, you will need to focus on the strategies associated with Social Security, health care and income generation. At all times you should annually revisit your goals and make adjustments, as needed, to how much and where you are saving, how much you are spending, how aggressively you are investing, and when your target retirement date is. Modeling such behaviors will make it more likely you will be well prepared for retirement. By doing so you will also make it more likely that you are properly assessing the state of your retirement readiness and not over- or underestimating your financial health.