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Printed on recycled paper Volume 30 | Issue 4

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April 2020

FOR NEW MEXICANS 50+ SINCE 1990

Small Space Gardening Can Help Calm The Mind pg 8

MONTHLY

Dr. Barry Ramo Prescription For A Healthy Life pg 13

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April 2020

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April 2020

Table of Contents FEATURES 4 Ask A Health Care Professional

6 East Paseo Corridor Hot Spot For

Senior Living Developers 14 Savvy Senior – 2020 Income Tax Filing Requirements

COLUMNS 9 Shannon Wagers 14 Dr. Muraida 15 Herb Doc

EVERY MONTH 10 Classifieds 11 Crossword

Health Care Providers Warn Of COVID-19 Hotline Scams

epresentatives from UNM Health, Presbyterian and Lovelace Health System issued the following statement today warning about scams related to the COVID-19 Hotline:

“Please be aware there are several phishing scams where the caller impersonates a representative from the COVID-19 Hotline or other medical entity. The scammer is asking for personal information like social security and date of

birth, telling callers they must have that information in order to release COVID-19 testing results. Representatives from UNM Health, Presbyterian and Lovelace Health System want to remind the public that we will never ask for your social security numbers. Any confirmation of a positive COVID-19 swab test will be made by the clinic where you were seen or the New Mexico Department of Health.”

Super Senior Tennis Program Postponed

he United States Tennis Association has postponed the start of the Super Senior Tennis Program until after April 20, 2020.

More information about the Super Senior Tennis Program will come after April 20, 2020. Address your questions to Joe Felice, JoeACCPro@comcast.net, 505-331-4300

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S R U O E K I L YL I M AF R U

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perform the vital role of filtering the blood and removing waste while producing life-sustaining hormones that help control blood pressure. The kidneys maintain the balance of body salt, water and minerals, such as calcium, potassium and sodium.

What is chronic kidney disease? Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, means damaged kidneys. When kidneys are damaged they can’t filter blood normally, and waste material builds up in the body, causing harmful effects to other parts of the body. Chronic means the damage has happened over a long period of time. Who is at risk for developing CKD? People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at risk for developing chronic kidney disease. Uncontrolled diabetes results in high blood sugar levels, which can damage the blood vessels in the kidney. Longstanding high blood pressure causes inflammation and abnormal changes to the kidney,

resulting in decreased function. Other risk factors include obesity, heart disease and a family history of kidney failure. Certain ethnic groups — African-Americans, American Indians, Asians and Hispanics — are at increased risk because these groups are also at increased risk for diabetes. In addition, seniors are at increased risk for developing CKD. (continued on next page)

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Ask A Health Care Pro. (cont.) (continued from previous page)

What can happen if CKD is not treated? Different levels of CKD range from mild disease to kidney failure. When the kidneys fail they have stopped working completely. To stay alive, there are two options — dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a procedure where the blood is artificially filtered to remove the waste. A kidney transplant is surgery in which a doctor puts a healthy kidney into a person whose kidneys have failed. Kidney transplants are the most common transplants performed in the United States. What kind of symptoms come with CKD? Since CKD usually develops over time, there may be no symptoms until the disease is severe. However, some people may experience non-specific symptoms, such as worsening fatigue, swollen ankles and feet, or even poor appetite. Testing is the only way to know if one has CKD. Screening can be done by a simple blood and urine test.

What should my action plan be? The most important thing you can do is talk to your primary care provider about kidney health and ask to get your kidney function tested yearly. Luckily, not all patients with kidney disease progress to kidney failure. To help prevent CKD and lower the risk for kidney failure, the best course of action is to control risk factors for CKD. If you have diabetes, stay in your target blood sugar range. Keep your blood pressure below 140 over 90 or the target blood pressure your doctor recommends. Lose weight if you are overweight. Eat right and get active. Take medicines as directed by your doctor; your doctor may prescribe medicines to protect your kidney from getting worse. Finally, quit smoking because smoking can also damage kidneys.

If you have a health question that you would like to be considered in Ask a Health Care Professional, please email AskHealthcareProfessional@ bcsbsnm.com. BCBSNM will select questions that may appear. Questions will not be personally answered. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of BCBSNM. This column is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.

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As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes, “Take care of your kidneys and they will take care of you!”

Dr. Wei-Ann Bay Beverly Allen Custer Autumn Gray Jim Miller Dr. Gerard Muraida Dr. Barry Ramo Dr. Shellie Rosen, D.O.M. Shannon Wagers

Visit us at ptpubco.com

April 2020

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April 2020

East Paseo Corridor Hot Spot For Senior Living Developers By Autumn Gray

emand for senior living in Albuquerque is the highest it’s ever been, and developers appear in a heated race to meet the need, particularly on the northeast side of town. At least five senior living facilities are either open or under construction in as many blocks along the Paseo del Norte corridor, east of Interstate 25. More are on the way. Industry experts expect a half dozen additional facilities targeting ages 55 and older will soon expand the inventory along the route. The east Paseo corridor is hands-down the most active, highest density and expensive area for development of older adult residences in the city. A combination of demographics and real estate realities are fueling the wave of construction in the local senior market segment. Albuquerque’s population, like that of the entire U.S., is aging and downsizing. The Census projects that by 2034, for the first time in history, people age 65 and older will outnumber children. With that

shift comes a somewhat urgent drive for senior housing and health care, often as a package, and often bigger and more lavish than that built for previous graying generations. A more uniquely local trigger for Paseo development is that Albuquerque has a shortage of vacant land, especially of utilityserved property, in its northeast quadrant. Naturally, the available spaces compel development. Senior housing is devouring land that had been slated for retail in this heavytraffic sector of the city. While the Paseo strip, with a posted speed of 55, doesn’t have walkability going for it, it does provide easy access to Interstate 25, convenient for children and grandchildren coming to visit. Paseo is also lined with big-box retail (Lowe’s, Target, Walgreen’s), national chain eateries (Chickfil-A, Chili’s, Panera Bread), and as of summer 2019, Albuquerque’s only round-the-clock Urgent Care Clinic and Emergency Room. The 12,000-square-foot medical center was the first of four to be built throughout the city by Presbyterian

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Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care

Healthcare Services by the end of this year. With increased competition in the senior housing industry, visibility and accessibility of housing have emerged as key to outperforming the competition. Senior living tucked away on back streets or hidden behind gates in suburban

neighborhoods are out. Today, it’s all about prominence. Vacant Paseo del Norte plots uniquely tick most of developers’ on-trend boxes. So, they don’t come cheap. Greystar, the company behind the Overture Albuquerque active (continued on next page)

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April 2020

East Paseo Corridor (cont.) (continued from previous page)

adult apartments under construction at the Paseo-San Pedro intersection, reportedly paid a record amount of money for the land. A Greystar spokesperson was not at liberty to confirm or deny that. Greystar, whose website boasts $14 billion in completed rental housing projects in the U.S., had preleased 30 percent of the Albuquerque complex’s 174 apartments as of early March, with residents set to move in in May. “There’s a whole formula these developers are looking for, and once we were able to fit the model, it goes fast,” said Joe Romero, senior vice president - principal at Colliers International. Romero is part of a Colliers team that has represented commercial properties listed along Paseo that have been purchased by senior housing developers. He says the majority of demand along the corridor has been from the senior living sector, and that between five and six more facilities are in the development pipeline. “You’ll see more in the near future. Two are about to break ground,” Romero said during a February interview. “Those that are coming in (including some underway) are quality projects, not traditional senior living that’s just a box with no character.” The facilities tend to have an upgraded quality of construction, more luxurious creature comforts and when included, a higher caliber of medical care. While a range of pricing is available to consumers looking at units along Paseo, the newer housing tends to be more costly. Research has shown Paseoarea income levels can support the proliferation of higher end developments. Incomes in nearby neighborhoods, such as North Albuquerque Acres and Sandia Heights, are some of the highest in the metro. To date, most Overture residents are coming from within an 8-mile

radius of the complex, seeking a social, active lifestyle that’s maintenance free but still in their stomping grounds. Overture’s apartments range in size from 598 square feet to 1,373 square feet, priced from $1,260 to $3,045 per month. Cost includes home maintenance and 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity space, such as art and yoga studios, a movie room and swimming pool. “Our 55+ Overture lifestyle is uniquely designed for the preferences and wants of today’s active seniors who value social connectivity, and personal wellbeing while remaining fully engaged in life,” said Robin Craig, Greystar Senior Director of U.S. Strategic Property Marketing. Craig said oversaturation of the market is not a concern because Greystar believes Overture serves a different kind of customer than other senior living facilities along Paseo. Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care, for example, targets seniors at a more limited stage of life. The two-story facility near Barstow and Paseo opened in 2015, offering significant medical support to residents. However, those costs are add-ons. To live there without any assistance starts at $4,540 per month for about 390 square feet – if you can get a room. Morningstar retained almost 98 percent occupancy throughout 2019 and often has a waiting list. “A lot of residents (about 30 percent) are moving from different states because their kids live here, but it’s a good variety,” said Maxine Sloan, director of Morningstar’s community relations. “We may not always be the right fit, the right price, so I try to be an advocate for the individual and find a good match.” Just steps to the east of Morningstar is the 12-year-old, 118-unit Paloma Landing, now considered a pioneer for senior

living along the corridor. It is managed by Hawthorn Senior Living, a national company that oversees about 75 properties between the U.S. and Canada. The three-story facility prides itself on being a more affordable, “gracious retirement community,” distinguished by the 24-7 presence of onsite managers. “Our mangers eat the same food, participate in the same activities, participate in the same housekeeping program. So, everything our residents are expected to live with, our managers live with. This is not something seen in other senior living facilities,” said Adam Bryan, director of sales and marketing for Hawthorn Senior Living. Though Paloma Landing does not offer intensive onsite medical care, it does have home health and therapy providers who can assist with some basics of daily living, such as dispensing medication, bathing or grooming. It also provides an emergency call system that onsite managers respond to at all hours, ensuring residents receive immediate medical care and that families are notified. Costs start at $2,345 for about 400 square feet. “We’re pretty budget-

friendly,” Bryan said. “Cost includes all food, activities, transportation to doctors, onsite managers; the only expense you have is the telephone.” Paloma Landing occupancy averages 95 percent or better and is doing all it can to maintain that number as competition encroaches. The property recently completed a facelift that includes new paint, artwork, carpeting, furniture, fixtures and equipment. Colliers’ Romero said he doesn’t think any of the Paseo developments should be concerned about market saturation, that demand still exceeds supply, even with the growth. “Demographically, the baby boomers are now going to sunset, and that number is multiplying every year exponentially, and we still lack the housing that fits their lifestyle,” he said. Other senior living facilities along the corridor are Amaran Senior Living, which has 72 units under construction in a multi-story complex near Paseo and Eubank, and the 60+ unit North Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center near the Barstow intersection. Neither responded to repeated requests for an interview.

Tips on Selecting Senior Living Housing

• Never make your decision based on a brochure alone. Tour the complex. Best case, make an unannounced visit to the facility and see how you are treated. • Cost should never be your first question. Initial considerations should be whether the facility solves a current or anticipated problem – reduced home maintenance, regular medical care, or social activities to combat loneliness, for example. • Ask yourself how the location makes you feel. Your emotional response to the appearance, people, smells, sounds, activity level, etc., is equally important as facts provided to you about the amenities and care provided. • Try the food. Can you eat what is served 365 days a year? • Talk with staff, including housekeeping, and ask yourself if that person is someone you wouldn’t mind having come into your living space on a regular basis. Source: Adam Bryan, director of sales and marketing for Hawthorn Senior Living

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April 2020

Small Space Gardening Can Help Calm The Mind By Beverly Allen Custer

hen life seems gloomy in an uncertain world, being outdoors and spending time in nature acts as a buffer for our mental health. The physical activity, fresh air and dose of Vitamin D from sunshine contribute to a sense of well-being that we’re just not going to get from sitting on the couch, digesting the latest news about the Corona virus pandemic. As updates about the virus’ impact on our lives continue unrelenting, health experts interviewed by media are not only talking about how to lessen its spread but also how to decrease anxiety and panic as we try to cope amid the chaos. Almost all agree that time spent outdoors and getting exercise are healing and stress-reducing; some even claim that sunlight may help lower blood pressure. Deep breathing and meditation performed outside also induce a sense of calm and unity with the earth. Yet, long before the appearance of COVID-19, gardeners touted the physical and mental health benefits of tending to plants.

“In times of uncertainty, we can feel a surge of loneliness and vulnerability,” said Emerson S. Corley, a licensed clinical social worker in Albuquerque. “Gardening, even if we’ve never considered it before, could be key for both. It gives us the opportunity to utilize our hands (getting our sensory needs met), while simultaneously creating a deep connection to the earth or plants that bring us much needed beauty.” Gardeners express the same idea but in simpler terms: The best way to re-establish connection with nature and focus on something positive is just to get a little dirty, they say, whether in a large square of land or on a patio, porch or window sill. Container gardening or small space gardening can enhance your mood and provide aesthetic benefits just like a large exterior garden and with considerably less effort. Amanda Clem, manager of Jericho nursery in Albuquerque, says starting with the right planters and pots is important. She suggests using plastic containers because they are lightweight and easy to move in small spaces.

“Right now, there are cool season vegetables that would be good for a container,” Clem said. “Leafy greens, lettuce, carrots and those types of vegetables can go directly into the ground or a pot. It’s a really good way to start a fresh salad. You can also do ‘salsa bowls,’ where you plant tomatoes, chiles, onions, etc., in one pot to have everything you need to make salsa.” Factors that are important to consider when container gardening include the kind of plants to use, the size the plants will become, and the size or type of planter or pot your space will accommodate. “Inside, herb gardens work well. Basil, chives, parsley and thyme work fine indoors or out. However, stay away from planting something like sage in a window box, because it will get too big,” Clem said. Clem suggests that you pay attention to where the sun is in relation to your plants: “Vegetables typically do better in shade. Plants and flowers, such as impatiens, begonias, coleus - a colorful leafy plant - are also good for shaded spaces.”

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She said some plants such as pothos that droop over the side of a pot work best in hanging planters, which are great for small spaces such as a patio or balcony. Strawberry pots, too, work well in a limited space. Succulents may also be worth consideration. “One of the great things about succulents is that they thrive on neglect,” said Vangie Chavez of Osuna Nursery. “Succulents need a lot of sunlight but don’t need too much water, because they store it in their juicy leaves. The easiest way to kill one is to over water it,” said Osuna’s Alix Martinez. Succulents run the gamut in shapes and colors. Sedums, such as the Stonecrop variety, can serve as a low ground cover. They change from green to burgundy depending on the time of year, while Autumn’s Joy flowers red and can grow as tall as two feet. Ultimately, Clem said, you don’t have to have a green thumb to grow plants: Once you have the plants, potting soil and pots to create a small space garden, you’re set. Then all you need is some good fertilizer and a watering can.

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Under Tingley’s Elms By Shannon Wagers

pril is the month when those pesky, papery seeds begin to rain down by the millions from the Siberian elm trees that populate Albuquerque’s older neighborhoods. Residents there can be seen chasing after them with rakes and brooms, while cursing the name of Clyde Tingley. For it was he who brought us those trees and encouraged everyone to plant them. Of course, I’m being a bit facetious. Tingley did much that was praiseworthy during his long career and worked hard for the improvement of his adopted city and state. Unfortunately, the promotion of Siberian elms (often erroneously called “Chinese” elms) was not one of his better ideas. More about that below. Tingley was born in a log cabin in rural Ohio in 1881. His formal education ended with high school, and at 19 he went to work and learned the machinist’s trade. In 1910 he became engaged to Carrie Wooster, daughter of a well-to-do family in Bowling Green, Ohio. Around the same time, Wooster contracted tuberculosis, so she and her mother boarded a train for Arizona, hoping to recover her health in the dry climate there. But by the time they reached Albuquerque her condition had worsened. So, they stopped here to rest for a few days before continuing. Wooster checked into a sanatorium and, impressed by the quality of the care she received, decided to stay. Tingley came out to join them, and the following spring he and Wooster were married. They moved into a rented “lunger cottage” near the sandhills east of downtown, and Tingley found work as a machinist at the Santa Fe Railroad shops.

But his ambitions extended far beyond the locomotive shops. He became involved in politics, and in 1916, was elected Second Ward Alderman, representing the city’s southeast quadrant. In 1917, the City Charter was rewritten, eliminating the positions of mayor and alderman. Instead, the city was to be governed by an elected City Commission and an appointed city manager, a system that remained in place until the 1970s. The chairman of the City Commission was designated “ex-officio” mayor, a mostly ceremonial role. But when Tingley was made chairman in 1922, he appropriated the title and was thereafter known as Mayor Tingley. He soon acquired enough power to become the undisputed political boss of the city and one of the leaders of the Democratic Party statewide. Tingley was scrappy, his speech was ungrammatical and sometimes profane, but he was by all accounts honest. In 1934, riding on the coattails of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, Tingley was elected governor (then a two-year term), then re-elected in 1936. In education and background, Roosevelt and Tingley were about as different as two men could be, but they shared the same political philosophy and became staunch allies. Tingley was able to secure federal funding for a variety of public-works projects around the state, and in return, he kept New Mexico solidly in the Democratic column. After leaving the governor’s mansion, Tingley reclaimed his seat on Albuquerque’s City Commission, a post he held until his retirement in 1955. He died on Christmas Eve 1960. His wife died about a year later.

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Tingley’s legacy includes Tingley Beach, the State fairgrounds, the municipal airport, the zoo, and Carrie Tingley Hospital, to name just a few of the many projects he pushed to completion. And then there are those elms. Throughout his career, Tingley was a strong proponent of the beautification of the city. Being from the Midwest, to him that meant green grass and tall, leafy shade trees like those that lined the streets of the Ohio towns of his youth. At some point, so the story goes, he learned about the Siberian elm, a fast-growing tree that required little water and could endure both harsh winters and scorching summer heat. Ideal for Albuquerque, he thought, and ordered 2,000 seedlings from a Nebraska grower for $20. A nursery was established in Rio Grande Park for the sole purpose of raising elms, and suddenly the City was in the tree business. At first, they were offered to the public at nominal cost, but by the early 1940s, they were being given away for free, with a limit of three per household. Some homes ended

April 2020

up with many more than that, and hundreds more were set out in parks and playgrounds. Grossly overplanted, their shortcomings soon became apparent. They grew too large for the average residential lot. They clogged sewers and cracked sidewalks. They got bugs, and often developed a bacterial infection called slime flux that caused nasty fermenting sap to ooze from wounds and pruning cuts. Worst of all, their seeds not only made a mess but had a habit of sprouting inconveniently wherever they could gain a foothold. Today, elms can be found growing in empty lots and neglected places and, along with other invasive species, displacing native vegetation in the Rio Grande Bosque. Since the 1990s, they’ve been classified as a weed tree, illegal to sell or plant in Albuquerque, although existing ones are permitted. If you’re unfortunate enough to live near one, think of Clyde Tingley as you pluck little elmlets out of your flower beds this spring.

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10 April 2020

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This new home, with its bright and open floor plan, will capture your heart! Located on the greenbelt of the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community, it is a quick walk to the clubhouse. Enter the living room from the fabulous deck and take in all the upgrades. Pretty carpet lines the floors of the living room and three bedrooms. There is a large eating bar with recessed lighting that opens up the kitchen and dining room to the living room. With lots of cabinets, counter space, and beautiful new stainless steel appliances, you will love cooking in this kitchen! The master is large enough for a king-sized bed and the two guest bedrooms are conveniently located at the opposite end of the home and have views of the mountains. This home comes with a oneyear manufacturer’s warranty and a new TufShed! Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991.

Enjoy two fabulous decks... the back deck with a view of the Sandia Mountains! The large living room has a ceiling fan and ceramic tile floors. The kitchen has lots of pretty counters and counter space. The newer stainless steel appliances, including the washer and dryer, will stay. The master bedroom has a walkin closet, a ceiling fan, and is large enough to accommodate a king-size bed. The master bathroom has double sinks, a large linen closet, and a walk-in shower. The guest bedroom has a walk-in closet and the guest bathroom has a tub/shower. There is a great workshop with electricity that could also be used as a shed. Priced at $29,900, this cute single-wide home located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community won’t last long! Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991.

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The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is recruiting volunteers 55 years of age and older for the following opportunities. For more information call 767-5225. Senior Transportation Ride Coordinator Answer phones, confirm ride requests and match rider and driver. (Coordinate rides). Enter information into the data base, complete rider intakes over the phone and mail packets. Volunteer must have good phone etiquette, patient, and be familiar with data entry. You must take an Abuse Awareness training class. 2-3 volunteers are needed 2.5 hours per day, 5 days per week. For more information call 767-5225. CASA (City of Albuquerque Senior Affairs) Kitchen Looking for volunteers to support a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen that prepares food for seniors in the community. Hours are anytime between 4:00a.m. – 12p.m, Monday through Friday. Participate in preparation and distribution of food. Follow proper procedures in handling of food, portion control, sanitation, nutritional requirements and safety procedures. Some food handling experience is preferable; however volunteers will be trained for areas of help where are needed. Most volunteer activities will involve food prep (slicing, dicing, serving, and packaging) and kitchen sanitation (wiping, sweeping, mopping and dish washing). Call the RSVP office at 505-767-5225 for more information. The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Advisory Council Needs members to join its efforts in promoting awareness and educating the community about FGP and senior issues. Council members advocate on behalf of FGP volunteers, evaluate the Program’s effectiveness, and assist in the recognition of Foster

PRIME TIME

April 2020

Classifieds Grandparents by raising funds and in-kind resources. The Council currently meets once a month at the Barelas Senior Center. For more information call 767-6412. Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is looking for volunteers age 55 and older who are interested in making a difference in a child’s life. Foster Grandparent volunteers must be willing to serve an average of 20 hours per week and must be able to pass a background check, physical, and tuberculosis test. Foster Grandparent volunteers serve one-on-one with children, working with them to build their social and emotional development as well as help improve their literacy skills. Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement, supplemental liability insurance, meals while on duty, pre-service and monthly trainings, and recognition throughout the year. Volunteers can also receive a small stipend if they meet the income guidelines. Call 764-6412 for more information and to apply today. Department of Senior Affairs Home Services is looking for volunteers to assist with yard work, minor home repairs, painting, building of wheel chair ramps

Crossword

DOWN 1. Heavenly Mlles. 2. Nag 3. Not just tacit 4. Mom, dad, or madam 5. Take place 6. Friend at the école 7. Greek letter 8. Expunge 9. Refer 10. Spring 11. Bit of cereal 12. Take advantage of 13. German article 21. High schooler 22. Start 25. Cat 26. Praying figures 27. Winding roads 28. Rough 29. Part of summer 30. Fellow 31. Sea duck 33. Certain love messages 34. Fictional king 36. Miles, e.g. 39. Tosses 43. Public disturbance 45. Sight and taste 47. Existing on a flat surface 50. Fourth page of a wall hanging 52. Preposition 53. Insignificant amount 54. Complaint to a dermatologist 55. Hot spot 56. __ PM; 2100 hours 57. Did in 58. Item in a desk drawer 59. Mr. Whitney 60. Girl’s nickname

ACROSS 1. Bargain-hunt 5. Fog 9. Read __; recite 14. Novel setting 15. Of the U.S.A. 16. Rent long-term 17. Of a generation 18. Pocket bread 19. Procrastinator’s word 20. Warm lunch 23. Originally named 24. Call a halt to 25. Nemesis 28. Rhythm 32. Cuts 34. Lament 35. Bee colony 37. “Ah, me!” 38. Character in Othello 39. West Point student 40. Out of __; behaving inappropriately 41. Word with stick or roll 42. One who acts like another 43. Lets 44. Evaluate 46. Pillages 48. Do a hairdresser’s job 49. Follower of 7 Down 51. Building site 52. Admirable people who influence others 58. William and Sean 61. Reddish-brown animal 62. Tack 63. Gladden 64. “__ Wonderful Life” 65. Slave of old 66. Chihuahua children 67. Late actor Bert 68. Worry

Ombudsman Program Ombudsmen are advocates and problem solvers for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Please apply if you are looking for a rewarding experience that makes a difference in the lives of the elderly. Time commitment: 3 hours per week, any day Monday-Friday. For more information call 767-5225. Mileage reimbursement is available to RSVP volunteers. RSVP is part of Senior Corps and is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The purpose of RSVP is to recruit senior volunteers into public, government and non-profit organizations to meet community needs. For information on these and more volunteer opportunities call 767-5225.

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Offering stone and steel sculpture, paintings and fine art prints.

#5139

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

and modified steps. Experience in minor home repairs and yard cleaning the use of yard tools, shovels, rakes and painting preferred but not required. Days/ hours are open depending on volunteer. Time commitment: M-F 7:30-3:00. On the job training will be provided.

51 53

(solutions on Page 14)

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12 April 2020

Beware Of Coronavirus Scams

ear Savvy Senior, Amid all the troubling coronavirus news, I’ve also read that there are various coronavirus scams going around right now taking advantage of innocent people who are afraid of getting sick or are worried about those that have. What can you tell me about coronavirus scams and what can I do to protect myself? Scared Senior Dear Scared, Unfortunately, coronavirus scams are spreading nearly as fast as the virus itself, and seniors are often the most vulnerable. These con artists are setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using spoofed phone calls, emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information. The emails and posts may be promoting awareness and prevention tips, and fake information about

cases in your community. They also may be asking you to donate to victims, offering advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments. Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay. Click carefully: Don’t click on coronavirus-related links from sources you don’t know in an email or text message. The same goes for unfamiliar websites. When you click on an email or download a file, you could get a program on your computer that could either use your computer’s internet connection to spread malware or dig into your personal files looking for passwords and other information.

Ignore bogus product offers: Ignore online offers for coronavirus vaccinations or miracle cures. There are currently no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges, or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus online or in stores. If you see or receive ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for the coronavirus, ignore them because they’re not legitimate.

Beware of CDC spoofing: Be wary of emails, text messages or phone calls claiming to come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and/or the World Health Organization (WHO). These scams could take several forms – such as fake health agency warnings about infections in your local area, vaccine and treatment offers, medical test results, health insurance cancellation, alerts about critical supply shortages, and more. For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus, visit CDC.gov/covid19.

Beware of fundraising scams: Be wary of emails or phone calls asking you to donate to a charity or crowdfunding campaign for coronavirus victims or for disease research. To verify a charity’s legitimacy use CharityNavigator.org. But, if you’re asked for donations in cash, by prepaid credit card or gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it because it’s probably a scam. Beware of stock scams: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about phone calls and online

promotions, including on social media, touting stocks of companies with products that supposedly can prevent, detect or cure coronavirus. Buy those stocks now, they say, and they will soar in price. But the con artists have already bought the stocks, which typically sell for a dollar or less. As the hype grows and the stock price increases, the con men dump the stock, saddling other investors with big losses. It’s a classic penny-stock fraud called “pump and dump.” Making matters worse: you may not be able to sell your shares if trading is suspended. When investing in any company, including companies that claim to focus on coronavirus-related products and services, carefully research the investment and keep in mind that investment scam artists often exploit the latest crisis to line their own pockets. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

SPR SPE ING CIA LS

and N e w Ho m e s wned ble o e r P a Av a i l

Activities

Welcome to Albuquerque Meadows

Fitness Center

Pool

View Inventory On Website

See 3 Listings on Page 10 In This Issue Affordable 55+ Independent Resort Style Living

Spa

Library

Fire Pit

Relaxation Area

Art Studio

C o mG a t e d mu nity

(505) 821-1991 AlbuquerqueMeadows.com

PRIME TIME

P X

For A Healthy Life

Barry W. Ramo, MD, FACC • Director New Heart Fitness and Health • Cardiologist, New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group

65-year-old woman who had been treated for breast cancer four years previously and is now cancer free came to New Heart where I am the director. Prior to her cancer treatment, she enjoyed walking regularly and went to a weekly yoga class. All that stopped when she was diagnosed with cancer. Since that time, she gained 16 pounds and “just has no energy”. She had never been told about the powerful benefits that a vigorous exercise program could provide cancer patients. Even though exercise is routinely prescribed for a wide variety of illnesses especially in my field of cardiology, Exercise is not routinely given the emphasis that it should for people with cancer. Accumulating evidence is demonstrating that exercise may prevent cancer, helps control disease progression, interacts positively with anti-cancer therapies, and improves physical functioning and psychosocial outcomes Cancer treatments have devastating effects on a person’s cardiovascular fitness. The fitness decline after cancer therapy is equivalent to what a patient without cancer can be expected to lose over ten years. Researchers at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reported that patients with breast cancer’s fitness level fell as though they had aged 10 years after only 12 weeks of therapy. With a moderate exercise

Exercise And Cancer program, much of that loss could be recovered compared to women who remained sedentary. Multiple US and international organizations have published exercise recommendations for patients living with cancer and beyond cancer. Based upon that research and many other studies, in 2018, the Australian Oncology Society recommended that exercise be an integral part of cancer care. That same year, a roundtable of the American College of Sports Medicine and 17 other cancer related organizations published evidence-based guidelines to encourage medical professionals to prescribe exercise for their cancer patients. An analysis of 61 clinical trials of women with all stages of breast cancer, found those who underwent an exercise program during treatment had significantly improved quality of life, fitness, energy, and strength, as well as significantly less anxiety, depression, and lower body mass index and waist circumference compared with those who did not exercise. Similar benefits have been seen in studies of patients with a wide range of other malignancies, Importantly, new research strongly suggests a direct biologic effect on the cancer itself. There is substantial evidence suggesting exercise is associated with improved survival in patients with breast, colon, and prostate cancer. A report from University of California San Francisco found that women with breast cancer who participated in moderate intensity exercise had a 64% lower risk for death compared to inactive women. People with colon cancer had a 47% improvement in disease free survival compared to inactive patients.

At New Heart, patients at various stages of cancer treatment, enroll in an aerobic and strength training program. The sessions are one hour and are supervised by an exercise specialist who has been trained specially to help patients with cancer. Patients come 2 or 3 times a week for one hour and are encouraged to exercise when they are not at New Heart. At the end of the 36-session program, patients are given an exercise program they can take to their local gym or stay at New Heart. The results have been very gratifying with patients regaining strength, vigor and selfconfidence knowing that exercise is actually medicine that helps fight their cancer. The program also includes weight management because for breast cancer the increases in estrogen driven by obesity increases the risk of disease recurrences and increased mortality. It is easy to forget that after a patient survives cancer; their risk is cardiovascular disease. In fact, breast cancer patients are more

April 2020

likely to die from heart disease than their cancer. So, at New Heart we tell patients that part of their survivorship is controlling risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes. If we could turn the benefits of exercise into a pill it would be demanded by patients, prescribed by every cancer specialist and subsidized by government. It would be seen as a major breakthrough in cancer. So, if you have cancer or know someone who has it. The exercise pill is worth swallowing. Exercise for Cancer at New heart

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The Doc Is In Dr. Muraida is a Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist.

he 16th century English poet John Donne is famous for many poems, but the one that may resonate with us at this time is No Man is an Island. That phrase expresses the idea that human beings do poorly when isolated from others and need to be part of a community to thrive. ANSWER TO #5139

PRIME TIME

Let’s Be Careful Out There The novel virus COVID-19, now a global pandemic, reminds us how true Donne’s words are. While we are supposed to “shelter at home,” practice social distancing, and in some cases, self-quarantine, we remain dependent on others.

The most vulnerable of our society may reside in nursing homes, have pre-existing medical or mental conditions, be homeless, immunocompromised, or be aged. No matter what your situation, each of us can be a bridge that someone else needs to feel connected. Distancing at least six feet from one another, waving and smiling from afar, and even just nodding in passing, all recognize another’s existence and may help to remind someone that they are significant. Writing a letter to a friend or relative, calling those estranged from you, virtually volunteering by reading to someone over the phone or on the internet are other ways of connecting without risking contagion.

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The COVID-19 infection is spread via droplets from the respiratory system of infected people, often during coughing or sneezing. The World Health Organization says studies document that COVID -19 droplets may survive from a few hours to several days on surfaces. It all depends on temperature, the kind of surface and humidity. Typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection are similar to the common cold - dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. According to data available in late March, time from exposure to onset of symptoms is usually between two and 14 days, with an average of five days. No vaccine or specific treatment existed at deadline for this story. You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus by washing your hands regularly

for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze. Avoid close contact (within six feet) of anyone outside of those residing in your home. Stay home and selfisolate if you feel ill. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean. We are not islands of people but countries and continents of people with similar strengths and weaknesses. We will thrive as long as we sacrifice a little now and create a new normal. We truly are one race, the human race. As Sgt. Phil Esterhaus of Hill Street Blues fame quipped, “Let’s be careful out there.”

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PRIME TIME

April 2020

Shellie Rosen, DOM

Herb Doc

Shellie Rosen is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She can be reached via her website at Bodyvolve.com

lder folks are wiser, and wise individuals heed warnings, watch the news, and do deep dives to vet information. Younger people often have excellent health and are more likely to take careless risks. So, this is the time for those of you with a few more years to shine and to use your superpowers to serve your family with wise behaviors and emotional wisdom. For people over age 60, immune system changes make the defense against viruses complicated. There are two types of immunity at work, innate and adaptive. Innate immunity works within hours from the detection of a pathogen (also called an antigen) in the body. Innate defenders include

The Superpower Of Being Older During An Outbreak barriers like the skin, chemicals in the blood, and white blood cells. (An increase of these indicates the presence of a pathogen). Adaptive immunity targets a pathogen (or antigen) more accurately. When the adaptive immunity unlocks the code of a pathogen, it goes directly after the invader to create a specific immunity “on-file” for possible future exposure to the same pathogen.

These two systems work together for rapid and targeted protection of the body from harm. Over time, the ability for these systems to work harmoniously can weaken, perhaps in part due to chronic illnesses that tax the immune system. Keeping the body healthy requires the resources of the immune system to be ‘ready,’ with all hands-on deck. People with other health issues have fewer immune function resources available. It’s not always bad to be in a riskier population if you use your

superpower to your advantage. Wise individuals are better at self-care, diet, and the reduction of dangerous behaviors. Now is the time to be serious about rules. Invoke your behavioral immunity superpower. Tell your family emphatically, “No shoes in the house! Wash your hands when returning from an outside activity, and before any meal prep or consumption! During Covid-19, don’t lounge on the couch in clothes worn to the grocery store.” There is no better time to establish rules that are always important than during this time when ‘buy-in’ from your family is at its most critical.

to be a leader to your team right now. Remind them that life goes on. Do your part by writing letters, making calls, and keeping others mentally healthy.

Older people have a learned ability to self-soothe without as much external stimulus. Younger people need to hear from you right now. They need your wisdom and your reassurance. You’ve seen crises come and go. You know just how to address the deepest fears of those who aren’t nearing retirement. You have a superpower

Abundant blessings to you, my friends, as we come together to serve one another. Dr. Shellie L. Rosen, DOM, L.Ac.

The dangerous side effects from Covid-19 to the younger generations could be more significant than we can predict. Mental and emotional strength is essential during a strained economy. We need you now more than ever. Dig in and find ways to serve by drawing upon your lived experiences. Help bring normalcy to the chaos with all your superpower.

Dr. Shellie’s Must’s Stay hydrated (tea and lotion) Get outside (move and get sunshine) Eat nutritiously (food is a cure or a poison)

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