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Printed on recycled paper Volume 31 | Issue 4

PRIME TIME April 2021

FOR NEW MEXICANS 50+ SINCE 1990

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April 2021

Table of Contents FEATURES 4 Ask A Health Care Professional 8 Lori Millet, Atty. - Do I Really Need

A Power Of Attorney? 10 Dr. Charles D. Schlesinger - Your New Smile: Life After The Mask 17 Savvy Senior - How To Search For Senior Discounts In 2021

COLUMNS 12 Shannon Wagers 15 Bugman 16 Dr. Barry Ramo - Managing Afib

EVERY MONTH 10 Classifieds 11 Crossword

Helpful Information You Should Know Regarding Medicare Supplement And Advantage Plans By Terri Huber - Med-Care Senior Insurance Solutions

onsumers are being bombarded with advertising by out-of-state call centers, direct mail campaigns, and online brokers offering Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans to New Mexico consumers. Professionallyproduced and compelling, they suggest that Medicare participants might be missing out on free products and services and/or reduced premiums by being uninformed. Make no mistake, the services and products being offered, such as hearing aids, dentures, meal deliveries, etc., are not “free”. Opting for these features in a Medicare Advantage plan means that the cost of those additional benefits is being financed through a reduction in other benefits somewhere else in the policy. While opting for all the great “free” benefits, seniors may be reducing their prescription benefits, rendering some important drugs out of their financial reach or reducing other important benefits without realizing it. Employees in call centers located in a foreign nation or another state are not familiar with the nuances of health care in New Mexico; nor can they know which medical specialists work with which plans, etc. Local knowledge and experience help ensure that seniors are given advice and counsel to make informed solid decisions. Although the Advantage Plans are well-suited for some seniors,

they are not ideal for all. For example, Advantage plans, unlike Medicare Supplement plans, require pre-authorization for procedures, meaning the insurance company makes the decision as to whether a procedure or treatment is appropriate. Likewise, seniors may not be allowed to use the doctors that they want and trust because the Advantage plans have networks of authorized physicians and other medical providers that must be

used to obtain coverage. Medicare Supplement plans are also deemed “guaranteed issue.” This means they cover every pre-existing condition and a beneficiary cannot be charged extra for any health challenges for which they seek coverage. This may not be the case with the Advantage plans, and many of the call center agents may not be offering anything but a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you are a Medicare participant and have questions related to the plan you have selected or think that you might have selected the wrong plan, you do have options. There are many Albuquerque-based agents who specialize in senior health insurance and will be more than happy to review your plan with you.

PRIME TIME

April 2021

Ask A Health Care Professional By Wei-Ann Bay, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico

pproximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, and the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease increases with age. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a brain disorder that affects movement. It occurs when there is a loss of nerve cells, or the

death of the cells, in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra pars compacta. The substantia nigra pars compacta is the area of the brain called the basal ganglia. These nerve cells produce a neurotransmitter (one of the brain’s chemical messengers) called dopamine. While the cause is still unknown, researchers have made significant advances in understanding the possible causes. It is known that the loss of dopamine in the brain contributes to the development of the disease. New discoveries about the importance of the basal ganglia and its anatomy and function have advanced knowledge about PD.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? The symptoms of PD are categorized as

motor and non-motor. Early symptoms are often not obvious and occur gradually.

Motor symptoms are those that affect movement of the body. The motor symptoms usually start on one side of the body and spread to the rest of the body over a few years. People with PD have difficulty walking, talking and doing the activities of daily life. The most commonly visible symptom is tremor (shaking) of one hand. This tremor is described as “pill rolling.” Tremors can affect other parts of the body — such as lips, jaw or tongue — but usually does not affect the head. Another motor symptom is called bradykinesia (generalized slowness of movement). Slowness results in walking with a shuffle, and as the

disease progresses, a person may “freeze up” or take much quicker and shorter steps. Other symptoms include stiffness and poor balance.

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April 2021

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Contributing Writers Dr. Wei-Ann Bay Richard Fagerlund Terri Huber Vicki Marie Jim Miller Lori L. Millet Dr. Gerard Muraida Dr. Barry Ramo Dr. Shellie Rosen Charles D. Schlesinger Shannon Wagers

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Ask A Health Care Professional Cont. (continued from previous page)

The non-motor symptoms are not related to movement of the body. The most bothersome nonmotor symptoms are problems with thinking and memory. It takes longer to process information, multi-task and make difficult decisions. Hallucinations, psychosis and feeling paranoid can also occur, but this is poorly understood. Depression and anxiety are common in people with PD. Difficulty with sleep, fatigue, loss of smell and problems with body functions — such as digestion, urination and blood pressure control — can occur as well. How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed? There are no lab tests or imaging studies to diagnose PD. The diagnosis is based on symptoms, signs, and a careful physical and neurological exam. It can be difficult to diagnose PD during the early phase of the disease. People with PD can have other neurological conditions, and it is important to distinguish PD from other conditions because the treatment is very specific.

For those with severe complications from PD, surgical placement of devices in the brain may be considered. Devices include deep brain stimulation, which places electrodes into the brain, or a continuous infusion pump of dopamine medications. What can I do if I’m diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? Being diagnosed with PD is difficult. Give yourself some time to process the information and then lay out a plan. Learn everything you can about PD. It is important to have discussions with your health care provider about treatment options best for you and when to start treatment. Discussions about supportive care should include exploring physical/ occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, fall preventions strategies and behavioral health support. Build a support system, which may include your family and friends. Keep lines of communication open and share your thoughts and emotions with

others; this can be helpful. When the timing is right, have the life planning discussion with your health care provider and support system and make known your care preferences and health care wishes. This advanced planning guarantees that when the time comes, the care provided is based on your decisions and with your input. Please remember you are not alone. Resources are available at the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-4734636) or helpline@parkinson.org. 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.

While most people with PD develop it at around age 60, there is a small percentage with “early onset” PD, which occurs before the age of 50. Early onset PD has been linked to genetic mutations and is possibly inherited. Genetic testing has recently become available, and discussions with a health care professional are necessary to determine the need for genetic testing. What treatments are available for Parkinson’s disease? There is no cure for PD. However, there are a few treatment options. Medications are available to address symptoms, and the decision to start medication depends on the severity of the symptoms. There are six different types of medications used for PD: levodopa, dopamine agonists, COMT and MAO B inhibitors, anticholinergics, amantadine and istradefylline. Levodopa is the most effective medication as it is very helpful in people with slowness of movements. Some of the medications are used together to increase the effect on decreasing symptoms. Research is being done to find treatments to slow the progression of PD.

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April 2021

New Mexico Senior Olympics, Inc. P.O. Box 2690 Roswell, NM 88202-2690 1-888-623-NMSO (6676) (575) 623-5777 Fax: (575) 622-9244 E-mail: nmso@nmseniorolympics.org www.nmseniorolympics.org Immediate Press Release From: Cecilia Acosta, Executive Director cacosta@nmseniorolympics.org 575.642.6048 Date: March 24, 2021 Subject: 2021 State Games Canceled Senior Olympics Cancel State Games and Offers Virtual Fitness Opportunities The New Mexico Senior Olympics, Inc. (NMSO) board of directors met in February to determine whether to hold or cancel the 2021 State Games – Summer Games and Team Tournaments due to the pandemic. The board carefully considered survey responses from over 500 participants, as well as other factors related to the health and safety of those involved in the games. Major concerns of the board, included event being a super spreader, lack of training opportunities for senior athletes, lack of senior vaccinations statewide and the safety of our most vulnerable senior participants and volunteers. Cecilia Acosta, Executive Director for NMSO stated that National Senior Games Association (NSGA) has announced when states will not be conducting games in 2021, senior athletes who qualified for the 2017 and 2019 National Games will be eligible to register for the 2022 National Senior Games scheduled for May 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For any questions, on qualifying for ’22 Nationals, please contact NMSO office at 1-888-623-6676 or nmso@nmseniorolympics.org NMSO Staff has scheduled virtual events happening now and in months to come. You can register to join a class from anywhere with internet or Wi-Fi access! For more info contact NMSO via website or toll free 1-888-6236676. All classes are free! v Virtual Senior Exercise Class with a certified fitness instructor meeting 3 x per week for classes on Balance, Tai-Chi and Fall Prevention. v Evidence-based Remote EnhanceFitness with one of nine instructors meets 3 x per week for one hour. EnhanceFitness classes concentrate on strength, balance, and cardio. v Stay at Home Challenge Season 2 allows seniors to play safely from home and submit monthly results for 17 different sports/activities - results appear on our website and one lucky participant will win a $100 Gift Card each month. v Walk4Fitness – a 12-week walking club activity is happening in six cities. Seniors walk outdoors safely in small groups 3 x per week and log their walking activity. Participants receive great fun class incentives each month and are entered in a drawing to win a free pair of walking shoes. Each site has a Walk Leader to organize walks! New Mexico has conducted State Senior Olympic Games for forty years and the staff at NMSO lead by Ceci and Terry are great advocates for senior tournaments and health promotion activities year-round. Please contact NMSO at 1888-623-6676 or email us at fitness@nmseniorolympics.org if we can connect you with a Virtual Fitness Class Activity.

Board of Directors Chair, Steve Duran * Vice, Dick Griffith * Secretary, Dorothy Terrazas * Treasurer, Vernon Dyer * LoriAnn Keith * Jerrett Koenigsberg * Joe Quintana * * Pete Salazar * Dorie Sandoval * David Salazar * Bill Adams* Kenneth Lindsey “You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.”

10/2020

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Theatre Is Navigating Its Way Through The Pandemic By Vicki Marie Singer Resident Stage Manager, NMYA and NMBC Musical Theatre Southwest Board Director

reative people are known for their innovative thinking and during the live-venue shutdowns of the pandemic, finding new ways to tell classic stories is helping to keep one local theater company alive. Musical Theatre Southwest, an Albuquerque company for over 62 years, has learned to pivot during these challenging times. “Theatre is not the same as it was 60 plus years ago,” states board president, Jenni Hipólito. “It’s important to actively stay relevant. We have continued to challenge our own capabilities to create live theatre and are committed to safety, first and foremost, while navigating how to produce works during the pandemic.” Raising funds during an economic downturn, while facing three quarters of lost ticket revenues in 2020, is a daunting task but one which MTS is taking on, project by project.

An Enchanted Cabaret is their Spring fundraiser, featuring a cast of classic fairytale characters, but in modern settings. Cabaret co-directors David Bryant and Jenni Hipólito have set a ballroom scene “At the Hop,” tell the tale of a mermaid who just wants to “Dance with Somebody,” in the 80s, given life to a “Creep” who falls for a beauty in the 90s, and so much more. “Love stories give us all a bit of hope, and bringing these stories to life for more than our typical sized audience has been an exciting endeavor.” David Bryant gives us additional insight, “The filming process and streaming endeavors for MTS allows us to continue showcasing what our theatre is best known for -- quality musical theatre -- by utilizing a new format that allows for the safety precautions currently necessary. While we normally host an audience of around 100 in our black box space, the current state closures have forced us to innovate how we can

bring theatre to audiences in our community.” Filming and streaming their productions has become the learning curve for many companies still operating while their live venues have been shuttered; at MTS, that challenge is being conquered thanks in large part to the community. Hipólito reminds us, “We are a community theatre despite all odds. Without our community, we couldn’t make it through this current crisis. Recently, we had sound recording equipment donated to us, a few large financial contributions, as well as our volunteer cast and production team who have donated their time and expertise. All of these community members are the unseen heroes who are helping see us through this unpredictable time.” Besides streaming shows, other new storytelling methods -- such as their new Patreon account -- also helps MTS deliver shows to virtual audiences. Debuting March 1st, the channel’s first offering will be a 4-part podcast series, Radio Theatre

April 2021

Classics, produced in the 1930s radio-drama style. Subscribers have unlimited access to listen anytime, anywhere, and on any device, once joining at www.patreon.com/ MTSABQ. Featuring timeless characters like Sherlock Holmes, Philip Marlowe and Alice in Wonderland, new stories are released the first of every month, starting with Sherlock Holmes in a Scandal in Bohemia. Director and project editor, Alissa Hall, describes her inspiration as “how to create a royalty free, zero-budget production from the ground up, and then donate it back to MTS to fundraise with.” Traditional shows require companies to pay for licensure, a somewhat risky upfront cost. Hall remarks, “On Patreon, MTS can indefinitely host these stories as an ongoing fundraiser, while safely delivering high quality entertainment to our audience.” Future radio shows will include Philip Marlowe in Trouble is my Business debuting in April, and Alice in Wonderland, part 1 & 2 in May and June.

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April 2021

Do I Really Need A Power Of Attorney? By Lori L. Millet, J.D., LL.M. ABQ Elder Law, PC

ES! In my opinion, powers of attorney are the most important legal documents you can have. A power of attorney is a document that allows someone to act on your behalf as your legal representative. The principal signs the document naming the agent (sometimes referred to as an attorneyin-fact) as his decision maker. Powers of attorney live and die with you. A personal representative (referred to as “executor” in some other states) named in your will does not have any authority to act until after you have passed away. Spouses or significant others cannot automatically act as agent for the other

spouse or partner even though we are a community property state. Powers of attorney should be durable, meaning they are good no matter how old the document is or whether or not you have capacity. Financial decisions are governed by the New Mexico Uniform Power of Attorney Act, whereas medical decisions are governed by the New Mexico Uniform Health Care Decisions Act. Thus, you should have two different documents: one for financial and property decisions, and one for medical decisions. Powers of attorney are the best tool to avoid a guardianship and conservatorship, and are much easier and less expensive to obtain. Powers of attorney also provide a way for you to state who you want to make decisions for you instead of state law or a guardianship/ conservatorship imposing a decision maker for you that you may not have wanted. For example, if your spouse has a chronic

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illness that affects mental capacity (such as dementia) you may not want that spouse to make decisions for you. Healthcare powers of attorney allow you to state your wishes pertaining to healthcare decisions, particularly end of life decisions. If you do not have a healthcare power of attorney, there is a decision-making tree in the statute, but the person(s) who would make decisions for you may not be the people you want to make your medical decisions. If you do not have a financial power of attorney, there is rarely an alternative to conservatorship. These documents must be carefully drafted. If the power of attorney is not comprehensive enough, it may not work in some situations, and your family has to get guardianship or conservatorship anyway. A common example is when there is exploitation or neglect, and the principal does not cooperate with the agent in stopgap measures. Alternates should absolutely be named so there is a backup to your first choice of agent. The most important consideration is to name someone trustworthy and who can be decisive. Do not name someone, even a child, if that person has addiction issues or is not going to be able to make decisions in accordance with what you want, not what that person would want for you. The most common example I encounter in this context is a child who has different religious beliefs than the parent, and parent cannot trust child to make the “pull the plug” decision because child does not believe in that option. You can name different people in the roles of medical and financial decisions. You and your spouse can name different people. Your financial agent should be good with managing money, and your health care agent should be strong enough to carry out your wishes no matter how difficult those tasks may be for him to make on your behalf. Do not procrastinate in getting these documents done. A principal has to have legal capacity

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to sign them, which means he must understand what he is signing. If you or a loved one has a diagnosis of early dementia or other chronic illness, make the appointment with the attorney soon. Dementia in particular can worsen very quickly, sometimes within days, and it becomes too late to sign. Divorce attorneys may disagree, but absent unique circumstances, I recommend making your powers of attorney effective immediately. Your agent must be able to act immediately in the event of a crisis. There is unlikely to be time to have you declared incapacitated. If you cannot trust someone when you can monitor or watch what they are doing, why would you trust them when you are incapacitated and cannot pay attention to your finances? You continue to make your own decisions as long as you are able to do so. I have never heard of a patient being wheeled into the operating room against his will. Finally, do not get forms from the internet or an office supply store. Those documents are frequently not state specific, comprehensive enough, are done under old law, or are just plain wrong. People who use those forms give me job security because I have to clean up the mess bad documents cause.

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April 2021

Your New Smile: Life After The Mask By Charles D. Schlesinger DDS, FICOI

a downside if they want something more permanent. A few of the downsides are that there are usually small metal clasps which are visible when you smile, and over the life of a partial, it may need to be re-lined (more acrylic added) and the metal clasps may need to be adjusted. The process is pretty straight forward with impressions being taken of your mouth and then after a few appointments the final restoration is delivered to you.

ow that there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel with regard to COVID-19, hopefully your friends, family, and the world will get a chance to see your smile again. But, what if you are unhappy with that smile? What can you do? Most cosmetic issues can be handled very easily with composite fillings or crowns, but what if you are missing one, or more teeth? Lets look at the options you have to replace those missing teeth and allow you to have the smile you want and deserve! First, lets look at what can be done of you are missing 1 or few teeth here and there. The three options you have are: a removable partial, a fixed bridge or a dental implant.

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of restoration is made out of a very strong material called Zirconium. It has excellent esthetics and looks very natural. Though this is an excellent option, it does have a few drawbacks. First, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth will need to be prepared for crowns, so you are essentially making a single tooth issue into a three tooth issue. Also, since all the teeth are connected together, hygiene is a bit more challenging especially if you any issues with manual dexterity. The process for this type of restoration requires two appointments approximately 2 weeks apart from each other- the first to prepare the teeth and take an impression, and the second to deliver the bridge.

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aspects and a few downsides. One of the upsides is that they are removable, so you are able to clean them everyday, but to some, this is also

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Fixed Bridge A fixed bridge is a permanent restoration that is cemented into your mouth onto the teeth on either side of the area where teeth are missing. Artificial teeth or pontics will replace the teeth you are missing. This type

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Removable Partial This type of prosthesis can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth with a single restoration. It is made of a metallic framework which has acrylic teeth attached to replace the ones you are missing. These restorations work very well, but have a few good S R U O E K I L YL I M AF R U O Y TA E R T E W

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Dental Implant A dental implant is the closest thing to “growing” a new tooth. Instead of having to touch adjacent teeth like is required with a fixed bridge, the implant is surgically placed into

the bone in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing. This surgical procedure is very straightforward and the post-operative discomfort can usually be handled with ibuprofen. Once the implant is placed, there is a healing time of approximately 2.5-3.5 months which allows your bone to grow into the surface of the implant and “lock” it into place. Once this occurs then an abutment and a crown will be placed onto the dental implant. Taking care of this restoration only requires you to follow your normal oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing. So what if you are missing all of your teeth on one arch or your whole mouth? There are three options for you: a conventional denture, an implant retained denture or an implant supported full arch restoration. Conventional Denture This restoration will replace all the teeth on an arch with a prosthesis that is made of acrylic plastic. These restorations can be highly esthetic, but the stability is usually the issue for patients, especially on the lower arch. A full denture relies on support from the gum tissue and bone in the mouth. An upper denture gets its stability from suction and the lower is wholly supported by the tissues. Many patients will require the use of an adhesive to prevent the denture from coming loose. Long term, over the life of the denture, relines may need to

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be done and at best, a full denture has about 38% of the chewing ability of natural teeth. To many, the instability of dentures is a deal breaker for this type of treatment. Implant Retained Denture An implant retained denture is a simple way to remove the biggest drawback of conventional dentures. What happens is that 4 implants are placed on the upper arch and 2-4 implants on the lower arch. Just as with single tooth replacement, the implants need a few months to heal in the bone and then attachments can be added to the implants and the inside of your denture. In many cases if your

denture is good condition, we can use it and retrofit the attachments. If your denture is ready to be replaced, then that would be done at the same time. The advantage of this type of restoration is that the implants will prevent the denture from moving, but will still allow you to take it out to clean it. Implant Supported Full Arch This is the top of the line when it comes to treating an arch with no teeth. This restoration uses 4-6 implants per arch and the full ceramic restoration is screwed into place after the implants

heal. You, as the patient, do not ever have to remove the restoration and in many cases a fixed temporary can placed the same day, resulting in what is known as “same day teeth”. I hope this overview gives you a better idea of what is available to you as we get back to a life without masks. Every patient is different, so the best course of action is to see your dentist and determine which treatment approach is right for you. Charles Schlesinger DDS, FICOI is a private practitioner in ABQ and owns Comfortable Dentistry 4U. www.comfortabledentistry4u.com

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April 2021

Senior Olympics Virtual Fitness NEW MEXICO SENIOR OLYMPICS INC. OFFERS FITNESS THROUGH VIRTUAL EXERCISE AND WALKING

NMSO is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for all seniors age 50+ with the support of the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department for year-round health promotion. See what New Mexico is offering for virtual events happening now and in months to come. You can register and join a class from anywhere with internet or Wi-Fi access! For more information contact NMSO via website or toll free 1-888-623-6676. All classes are free! ❖ Virtual Senior Exercise with a certified fitness instructor meeting 3 x per week for classes on Balance, Tai-Chi and fall prevention.

VIRTUAL FITNESS

❖ Evidence based Remote EnhanceFitness with one of nine instructors teaching 3 x per week for one hour. EnhanceFitness classes concentrate on strength, balance, and cardio. ❖ Stay at Home Challenge Season 2 allows seniors to play safely from home and submit monthly results for 17 different sports/activities - results appear on our website and one lucky participant will win a $100 Gift Card each month.

Walk4Fitness

14-16 SPORTS

❖ Walk4Fitness – a 12-week walking club activity is happening in six cities. Seniors walk outdoors safely in small groups 3 x per week and log their walking activity. Participants receive great fun class incentives each month and are entered in a drawing to win a free pair of walking shoes. Each site has a Walk Leader to organize walks!

2022 NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES QUALIFYING New Mexico athletes that qualified for the 2017 and/or 2019 National Games will qualify in their respective sports/events for the 2022 National Senior Games, May 10-23, 2022. New Mexico has conducted State Games for forty years and the staff at NMSO lead by Ceci and Terry are great advocates for senior tournaments and health promotion activities year-round.

LOOKING FOR CERTIFIED FITNESS INSTRUCTORS

to teach a Senior Fitness Class virtually, one hour, 3 x per week for 12 weeks. New Mexico Senior Olympics wants to hear from you by submitting your class proposal before April 10th to include the following: TYPE OF CLASS

PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES

RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES FOR 10-16 PARTICIPANTS - SENIOR POPULATION 60+ PARTICIPANTS COMPLETE A HEALTH HISTORY FORM AND MAKE A 12 WEEK COMMITMENT START AND END DATES CONFIRMATION OF RELIABLE INTERNET

CLASS MEETING DATES & TIMES *

PROVIDE 3 REFERENCES

MUST HAVE INSTRUCTOR FITNESS CERTIFICATION

FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE FOR CLASSES OUTSIDE OF THE METRO AREA

Submit CLASS PROPOSAL before April 10th by email to: cacosta@nmseniorolympics.org or call 575-642-6048

NMSO

P.O. Box 2690 Roswell, NM 88202-2690 1-888-623-NMSO (6676) (575) 623-5777 Fax: (575) 622-9244 www.nmseniorolympics.org Email: nmso@nmseniorolympics.org

“You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.”

PRIME TIME

April 2021

New Mexico Takes Shape By Shannon Wagers

t’s not hard to picture the map of New Mexico in your mind: roughly rectangular, with one corner jutting down in the southwest, the area we call the Boot Heel. That’s how it has looked, with only slight modifications, since we became a state in 1912. But going back further in history, New Mexico’s size and shape have changed profoundly.

The first formal demarcation of this region dates back more than 400 years to 1595, when Don Juan de Oñate was awarded the contract to establish a colony on the northern frontier of New Spain. It was to be called the Kingdom of New Mexico, although it never actually had a king, other than the one in Spain who ruled over the entire Spanish empire. The new province hadn’t yet been thoroughly explored, let alone surveyed, so the boundaries of the “kingdom” were vaguely defined, partly

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by necessity and partly by design. As a practical matter, New Mexico comprised the arable lands along the Rio Grande and its tributaries, from El Paso del Norte (present-day El Paso/ Ciudad Juárez) to its headwaters in the mountains of southern Colorado. But on paper, it extended more or less infinitely to include all of western North America. From a legal perspective, that meant that if some rival colonial power, like France or England, attempted to encroach upon it, Spain could assert a prior claim. (The claims of the native inhabitants, who had been living on the land for thousands of years, were mostly ignored.) When Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, it inherited that vast tract of land, whose boundaries had, by then, become a little less vague. New Mexico extended northward to the 42nd parallel (the present northern border of Nevada and Utah), westward to the Colorado River, eastward across the Texas panhandle, and south to a line just north of the present border, below which were the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua. One American visitor of the period described remote, sparselypopulated New Mexico as “the Siberia of the Mexican Republic.” Defining our eastern border became a problem after Texas separated from Mexico and declared itself a sovereign nation in 1836. The Lone Star republic asserted ownership of everything east of the Rio Grande, as well as a long, narrow strip extending northward into Wyoming. (This was an untenable claim, disallowed when Texas became a U.S. state a few years later.) The border with Texas was later fixed by Congress at the 103rd meridian, but a surveying error placed the line about half a mile farther west. By the time the mistake was discovered, it was too late to correct it, so Texas made off with a sizeable chunk of our real estate after all. Meanwhile, the American government had its eye on the Southwest, and in 1846, provoked a war with Mexico to take it. Under the

treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the war, Mexico ceded roughly half its territory to the U.S. The Gadsden Purchase of 1853 added the final accretion to the southern border, including the Boot Heel and the area below the Gila River in Arizona. New Mexico was now officially a U.S. territory encompassing all of presentday New Mexico and Arizona, as well as a portion of southern Colorado and the southern tip of Nevada. Our borders were re-jiggered again by the Civil War. While northern New Mexico was strongly pro-Union, the southern part of the territory was home to many Southern sympathizers. In 1861, they raised the Stars and Bars over the plaza at Mesilla and proclaimed it the capital of the Confederate Territory of Arizona, which extended north to around Socorro and westward from the Rio Grande to California. It was short-lived, however, as the Confederates were driven out the next year. A year after that, the U.S. Congress again made Arizona a separate territory, only this time the border ran north-south rather than eastwest, and New Mexico assumed the familiar outline we know today. But Congress couldn’t decide whether the territory should come into the Union as one state or two. One proposal, in 1888, would have re-united New Mexico and Arizona and admitted them as a single state, to be called Montezuma. Fortunately, it failed. The last single-state bill was introduced in 1905. The measure passed Congress and was put to a popular vote. It was overwhelmingly rejected by Arizona and failed by a slimmer but still substantial margin in New Mexico. With both states safely in the Union, our borders can no longer be re-drawn at the whim of the national government. But now comes word of a movement afoot in some of our southern counties to secede from the Land of Enchantment and either defect to Texas or become the 51st state. Let’s hope it doesn’t gain any traction. We’ve undergone enough shape-shifting already.

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PRIME TIME

April 2021

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with Dementia? Does this person experience Wandering behavior such as getting lost or leaving the house?

The FOUND study is looking for individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia and also experience wandering behaviors. The study will test whether an investigational medication called fasudil taken for up to 126 days (minimum of 84 days) is safe and can reduce wandering behaviors in patients with dementia. The study will entail:

Screening visit to determine eligibility 6 weeks of Open-Label fasudil treatment Determination of response to fasudil 2 additional treatment periods with fasudil and placebo Weekly check-ins to assess the participant’s well-being Clinic visits every 6 weeks To learn more about this clinical study and to see if you (or a person you know) is eligible to participate, please contact the research team: Geraldine Dempsey Clinical Research Coordinator Albuquerque Neuroscience Phone: 505-848-3773 Email: gerrie@albneuro.com

This study is being supported by Woolsey Pharmaceuticals

PRIME TIME

April 2021

Classifieds COUNSELING

Enchantment Counseling • Counseling & Therapy • Medication Management •In Person & Telehealth

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Electrician 30 years’ experience. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Senior rates apply. LIC # 350669 Call Peter @ 505 688-8520 Visit us at: currentsecurityandelectric.com Handyman - Swamp cooler, winterized, electrical, plumbing, Water Heaters, carpentry. Affordable door and window replacement, bath and kitchen remodels. Free estimates. Call 463-4744. PR Landscaping Lawn care – Tree Trimming Yard Work – Reliable – Honest Call 319-8430 Please leave a message.

HELP WANTED HOME INSTEAD needs you! We are hiring for all shifts and would love to add you to our team of amazing CAREGivers. We serve Albuquerque and surrounding areas. You can go online at homeinstead.com/144 or call 884-0353, ask for Kathy. We look forward to meeting you!

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Drop A Dress Size Now! No Gimmicks! ABQ LIPOLIGHT treatments are non-invasive, targeted fat reduction and body sculpting. We use the ONLY authorized and verified system in NM. AbqLipoLight.com Call Judy 505-710-5377

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 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 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. 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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PRIME TIME

April 2021

Crossword

#5150

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

DOWN 1. Goes up and down 2. “Ah, me!” 3. Old style for women riders 4. Soil loosener 5. 1, 2, 3, or 6, to 6 6. Has steady pain 7. Bud holder 8. Part of a sock 9. Yrbk. section 10. Remember 11. General Bradley 12. Embankment 13. Some halo wearers: abbr. 19. Dazzling display 21. French possessions 24. Cockney residences 25. Of flying: pref. 26. Croaker 27. Annoyed 28. Corn bread 29. Dickens or Churchill 30. Challenges 32. Pornography 33. Piece of jewelry 35. Deep, wide cut 37. Parched 38. River in Switzerland 40. Word with code or colony 41. Hospital section 43. Sahara sights 44. Ship’s officer 46. Magna __ 47. Cain’s pop 48. Name for a Frenchman 49. Cameo-shaped 50. __ Parks 52. Insignificant amount 53. Yeats or Keats 55. Son-gun connection 56. Eur. nation 57. Assn.

ACROSS 1. Lively party 5. Goes without food 10. Sticks 14. Mixture 15. Thespian 16. Discharge 17. Commanded 18. Dessert choice 20. 90° from ENE 21. Knickknack 22. Gives a hoot 23. Musical numbers 25. Everybody 26. Picture border constructor 28. Rang 31. Carnival attractions 32. Polo, for one 34. Henpecker 36. Cutlass or Alero 37. __ acid 38. Taj Mahal’s city 39. Become firm 40. Care for fruit trees 41. Singer Tom Jones’ birthplace 42. Underhandedness 44. Pastor’s territory 45. Connecting word 46. Panaceas 47. Bakery emission 50. Poet of old 51. With-it 54. People who work in a darkroom 57. Novel by Melville, for short 58. Comparison: abbr. 59. Field of expertise 60. Assess 61. Allen and Tillis 62. Church feature 63. Pesky one 1

28 32

dishwashing soap, and place the mixture where insects are present. You can also kill any bug in your house with a blend of water (40%), alcohol (40%) and dish soap (20%).

45 48

For most insects, you can mix a half cup of tabasco sauce with one onion and a half dozen cloves of garlic in a blender with two cups of water. Let the mixture stand for 24 hours. Then, add two more cups of water and a tablespoon of liquid

Here is a recipe for effective homemade ant baits/traps that use borax. It attracts ants seeking either moisture or food. You will need: three cups of water, one cup of sugar, one teaspoon of borax or two teaspoons of food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE), and six small screw-top jars with lids. Jelly jars covered with masking tape will work just fine, enabling the ants to

here is no need to use pesticides inside your home or business.

Ants can be repelled with a wide variety of products, including cinnamon, cedar oil, talcum powder, chalk, coffee grounds, borax, garlic, broken eggshells, bone meal, black or red pepper, peppermint, paprika, chili powder, and mint leaves.

Email questions to AskTheBugman.com or call (505)385-2820

side up. They will be attracted to the glue and get stuck. If you have roaches outside, put out some pie pans filled with beer. They will enter the pans and drown.

21 23

Ask The Bugman

50 56

(solutions on Page 19)

There are also good baits specifically for controlling cockroaches. You can put equal amounts of baking soda and sugar in flat containers and they will take it. You can also make a roach dough. Combine a half cup powdered sugar and one-quarter cup shortening or bacon drippings. Add a half cup of onions, a half cup of flour and eight ounces of baking soda, plus enough water to make a dough-like consistency. Make balls of bait and put them wherever you see roaches. You can also control roaches by putting down some duct tape, sticky

climb up the side. Mix the sugar, water, and borax (or food-grade DE) in a bowl. Half fill the jars loosely with cotton balls, pieces of sponge, or wadded paper towels. Pour up to a half cup of the sugary mixture over the cotton balls, saturating them. Make several small holes in the lid. Screw the lids on the jars tightly. Most ants can also be controlled using a bait made from two tablespoons each of peanut butter and jelly mixed with one tablespoon of boric acid or borax. Place the bait where you see the ants foraging. There is no reason to spend a lot of money and expose yourself to toxic pesticides. If you have any pest questions, you can contact me at askthebugman2013@gmail.com.

PRIME TIME

April 2021

P X

For A Healthy Life

Managing Afib

with Afib after a heart monitoring watch showed her heart rates varied wildly. She reported the palpitations to a physician, who asked her to wear an ambulatory cardiac monitor for 30 days. A diagnosis of Afib was confirmed. Julia was found to have 30 spells lasting up to four hours each. During the spells, her heart rate rose to 135 beats per minute. With some of the spells, she would become short of breath. It is not uncommon for people with Afib to experience shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or chest pain.

Atrial fibrillation is an electrical disturbance of the normal heart rhythm. The symptoms can be trivial and hardly noticeable, or in some cases very serious, even causing heart failure. Julia was diagnosed

Afib is an electrical disturbance of the heart’s rhythm, resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the heart’s upper chambers, the atria. Cells in the atria and the veins entering the left atrium trigger an electrical storm causing a rapid and irregular heartbeat. Those cells are the target of therapy that I will discuss later. The earliest stage of atrial fibrillation is paroxysmal, or intermittent, in two-thirds of patients with Afib. About 5 percent to 10 percent of patients will develop

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

ulia is a 68-year-old woman who has a cardiac rhythm disturbance called atrial fibrillation (Afib). She notes periodic episodes of a sensation of rapid heart and irregular pounding in her chest. The spells last for several hours and have been very distressing. Last month, I wrote about the significant risk Afib poses for stroke. This column deals with the management of Afib.

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a permanent form of the condition. The consequences of paroxysmal Afib can range from a nuisance to low blood pressure, fainting, and heart failure. It is a rhythm disturbance that needs to be taken seriously because it increases the risk of death by a factor of nearly 2.4 in men and 3.5 in women. Coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea put some individuals at greater risk for developing Afib. Afib’s intermittent episodes can be detected and diagnosed with an electrocardiogram recording. Some monitors record for 30 days. For longer term, a tiny implantable monitor can provide monitoring over several years. Afib is a cause of unexplained strokes, so such monitoring is utilized to see if it is present. Treatment of people with Afib is directed toward reducing the factors that can trigger it. That includes controlling hypertension, cholesterol levels, and obesity, treating obstructive sleep apnea, and eliminating alcohol. Exercise training has been shown to reduce the frequency of episodes. When preventive measures are ineffective, therapy is directed at slowing the rate at which the episodes occur, or preventing the episodes entirely either with medication or a procedure called ablation. Controlling the heart rate is a critical factor in reducing the symptoms caused by the Afib. The rapid rate can be slowed with two classes of drugs: beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, or calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem and verapamil. In some patients, beta-blockers have been shown to eliminate paroxysms. Each of these medications has effects beyond slowing the heart rate. Fatigue and depression can be consequences of beta-blocker therapy. Calcium channel blockers can cause an intolerable fall in blood pressure. In older patients, the drugs may slow the heart rate excessively when they are not in Afib. In these cases, a pacemaker is required. Maintaining a normal rhythm by preventing episodes of Afib

requires an understanding between the patient and their doctor that the treatment available, although highly effective, does have potentially serious consequences. Some medications are used to control and prevent episodes of Afib. They are called antiarrhythmic medication. Some have been linked to death in people with heart disease, including heart failure. Catheter ablation is a procedure that destroys the abnormal cells that trigger episodes of Afib. Studies have found ablation to be more effective in controlling episodes of paroxysmal Afib than drug treatment. In a recent study, the percentage of patients with treatment success at one year was 74.6 percent in the ablation group and 45 percent in the drug therapy group. Long term, after four years, 16 percent of patients in the ablation group had persistent Afib compared to 26 percent in the medication group. Given the current technology, the complications of the procedure are very low. Any patient considering undergoing the procedure must know the risks and benefits at any particular institution as the results vary from one center to another. At the New Mexico Heart Institute at Lovelace Heart hospital, the Afib ablation group is one of the leading programs in the country with a success rate higher than the national average and a lower complication rate in treating paroxysmal Afib. Julia chose to have an Afib ablation and has remained in normal rhythm for three years.

PRIME TIME

April 2021

How To Search For Senior Discounts In 2021

ear Savvy Senior, I just turned 60 and would like to find out the best way to go about locating senior discounts. Looking to Save Dear Looking, One of the best, yet underutilized perks of growing older in the United States is the many discounts that are available to older adults. There are literally thousands of discounts on a wide variety of products and services including restaurants, grocery stores, travel and lodging, entertainment, retail and apparel, health and beauty, automotive services and much more. These discounts – typically ranging between 5 and 25 percent off – can add up to save you hundreds of dollars each year. So, if you don’t mind admitting your age, here are some tips and tools to help you find the discounts you may be eligible for. Ask! The first thing to know is that most businesses don’t advertise them, but many give senior discounts just for the asking, so don’t be shy. You also need to know that while some discounts are available as soon as you turn 50, most don’t kick in until you turn 55, 60, 62 or 65. Search Online Because senior discounts frequently change and can vary depending on where you live and the time of the year, the internet is the easiest way to locate them. A good place to start is at TheSeniorList.com (click on the “Senior Discounts” tab), which provides a large list of discounts in categories, i.e. restaurant dining, grocery stores, retail stores, prescription medications, travel discounts and more.

You can also search for discounts by provider. Go to a search engine like Google and Yahoo and type in the business or organization you’re curious about, followed by “senior discount” or “senior discount tickets.” If you use a smartphone, there are also apps you can use like the “Senior Discounts & Coupons” app (available on the App Store and Google Play), which categorizes discounts by age and type. Join a Club Another good avenue to senior discounts is through membership organizations like AARP, which offers its members age 50 and older a wide variety of discounts through affiliate businesses (see AARPdiscounts.com). If, however, you don’t like or agree with AARP, there are other organizations you can join that also provide discounts like the American Seniors Association (AmericanSeniors.org), the American Automobile Association (AAA.com), or for retired federal workers, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE.org). Types of Discounts Here’s an abbreviated rundown of some of the different types of discounts you can expect to find.

Fry’s Food Stores, New Seasons, Fred Meyer, and Hy-Vee, which offer discounts on certain days of the week but they vary by location.

Travel: American, United and Southwest Airlines provide limited senior fares in the U.S. to passengers 65 and older, while British Airlines offers AARP members discounts of up to $200. Amtrak provides a 15 percent discount to travelers over 62. Most car rental companies give discounts to 50-plus customers or those who belong to organizations like AARP. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity and Carnival cruise lines offer discount rates to cruisers 55 and over. And, most hotels offer senior discounts, usually ranging from 10 to 20 percent.

60 or 65. And the National Park Service offers a lifetime senior pass for those 62 and older for $80 (see nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm). 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.

Entertainment: Most movie theaters, museums, golf courses, ski slopes and other public entertainment venues provide reduced admission to seniors over

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Restaurants: Senior discounts are common at restaurants and fast-food establishments – like Applebee’s, Our personal injury attorneys charge a contingency rate of 25% without trial, as Arby’s, Burger King, Chili’s, Our personal injury attorneys charge a contingency rate of 25% without trial, as opposed to the 33% charged by opposed to the 33% charged by most other attorneys. Please note that this most other attorneys. Please note that this doesn't include applicable costs, fees, and taxes. Denny’s and IHOP – ranging from doesn’t include applicable costs, fees, and taxes. free/discounted drinks, to discounts off your total order. Retailers: Many thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, and certain retailers like TJ Maxx, Banana Republic, Kohl’s, Michaels, Ross and Walgreens stores offer a break to seniors on certain days of the week. Grocery stores: Many locally owned grocery stores offer senior discount programs, as do some chains like BI-LO, Piggly-Wiggly,

(505) (505) 872-3022 872-3022

2201 Menaul Blvd NE 2201 Menaul Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 Serving Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87107

Serving Albuquerque, New Mexico robertaragon@aragonlawfirmpc.com Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Hours of Operation After-Hours Appointments Available for Clients by Request Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. After-Hours Appointments Available for Clients by Request

April 2021

Side Effects Of Allergy The Doc Remedies Are Nothing Is In To Sneeze At

PRIME TIME

Dr. Gerard Muraida

Gerard Muraida MD is a Geriatrician and the Medical Director at InnovAge in Albuquerque.

very Spring I seem to play multiple roles in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. For the record, the dwarfs’ names are: Sneezy, Sleepy, Dopey, Grumpy, Bashful, Happy, and Doc. As the chill of winter thaws, winds swirl and rains shower down upon us resulting in the rebirth of vegetation. The emerging colors of spring flowers and other high desert blooms are uplifting after months of winter, but they also send a warning shot to our immune system. Symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and coughing are just the beginning of some people’s immune response to pollen and other airborne irritants.

The medications used to combat these unwelcome flairs can cause problems of their own. The most notable offending agent is an antihistamine. While it may help to dry the drip from your nose, it may also cause havoc with your bladder, your eyes, your gut, your throat, and even your brain. Congestive heart failure patients may try to drink a little more water to treat their dry mouth but may not tolerate excess fluid. Dry eyes may exacerbate ocular conditions, including narrow angle glaucoma, resulting in blurred vision. Antihistamines may result in a condition referred to as urinary retention. Older men often have enlarged prostates with sluggish urinary streams. Antihistamines decrease the bladder’s ability to contract and overcome the enlarged prostate’s effect on the urinary stream, leading to complete obstruction or retention. This can

cause bladder distention and injury. Another side effect of that little allergy pill is constipation. Antihistamines block the impulses our bowels require from our parasympathetic nervous system to propel stool through the colon properly. The result can be delayed transit time and may result in constipation, or even worse, bowel obstruction. Drowsiness and sluggish mentation can result from most antihistamines, even those advertised as non-sedating. The warnings about operating machinery and driving should be followed. Acute confusion (delirium) can occur when antihistamines interact with other medications, including muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and opiate pain relievers. This often results in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Decongestants, as either oral or nasal preparations, can also have negative side effects. These medications decrease blood flow to congested airways or nasal passages, resulting in less inflammation and less mucous production. Decongestants, especially pseudoephedrine, can interact with other substances like caffeine-containing products. When this occurs, excessive excitation, nervousness, insomnia, and even a rapid heart rate may result. No medication, even over-thecounter medications should be taken without your health care provider’s input. Be wary of all the possible consequences of even the most innocent looking remedies. There is no doubt in April, I am Sneezy, Sleepy, Dopey, Grumpy, occasionally, Bashful, very Happy and always Doc.

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Pick up your guide at most major grocery stores, or you can have one mailed to you for $5.95. Mail a check or money order to Prime Time Publishing P.O. Box 67560 Albuquerque, NM 87193

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PRIME TIME

April 2021

Spring Allergy Prevention

Shellie Rosen, DOM

Herb Doc

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

f you suffer from seasonal allergies, there are ways to reduce the severity of your response significantly. Through behavior and diet modification, you may be able to temper the side effects of allergies. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, “When someone has allergies, their immune system makes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies respond to allergens. The symptoms that result are an allergic reaction.” Calming the immune system by preventing an unnecessary response or mitigating symptoms can make a world of difference for allergy sufferers. A low level of inflammation is healthy when the body comes into contact with compounds that trigger an allergic response. Mast cells (contained in connective tissue) are the part of the immune system that produces and release histamines. Histamines are released into the body to seek potentially dangerous toxins from seasonal pollens/grasses, insect bites, animal dander, and food-borne antagonists (including alcohol). Histamine encourages the body’s inflammatory process to deliver protective immunity to areas under threat. However, histamine triggers can be

persistent and their accompanying symptoms a terrible burden. An inflamed sinus, headache, red and sore eyes, or a rash are all potential immune system inflammatory responses to an allergen. Methods to avoid or interrupt a histamine response can be helpful. Antihistamines are compounds that work to block the release of histamine or inhibit histamine effects in the body. Natural antihistamines aim to prevent mast cells from releasing histamine and are most effective preventatively. Once an allergic reaction has occurred, it is impossible to take advantage of the benefits of mast cell stabilizing effects of specific compounds. Other measures for natural allergy relief include antiinflammatory benefits.

Behaviors to Reduce Allergen Exposure Reduce exposure to allergens by showering before bed. Wash clothing and bedding to reduce pollen and grasses along with dust mites. Changing home air filters and keeping windows and doors closed during affected seasons can minimize indoor particulates. Animals carry significant amounts of dander and pollen from the outside; bathing and combing them to manage their coats is advisable. Avoid food-related allergens. Tailor a diet with foods that stabilize the immune system and reduce inflammation (see below) before an allergic response. Use a sinus rinse to rinse toxins from the nasal cavity and soothe inflamed passages.

supplement to stabilize mast cells. It is found in apples, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, green tea, and citrus fruits. Quercetin calms down airway hyperactivity. • Astragalus (Chinese herb) – Great for intestinal and sinus allergies • Forskolin (Coleus forskihlii) – Helps reduce asthma attacks and keeps lung muscles at ease • Ginger (used in food, tea, or topically) – Great for hives

Anti-Inflammatory Options to Reduce Side Effects of Histamine Response • Vitamin C (found in many fruits) – May also decrease histamine levels • Thyme (herb) – Contains vitamin C and helps block histamine • Stinging nettle (herb) – Helpful in treating symptoms of allergic rhinitis • Bromelain (found in pineapples)

If you notice an allergic response that includes trouble breathing, tightness in the lungs, chest pains, blood pressure changes, dizziness, fainting, rash, and vomiting, proceed with emergency care immediately (call 911). The simple modifications and dietary ideas mentioned in this article are best used in combinations with one another over time. It’s never too late to get started on these ideas, but for best results, start early. Abundant blessings may you spring right out of any allergy trouble! Dr. Shellie L. Rosen, DOM, L.Ac. ANSWER TO #5150

Topical Options for Rashes, Hives, and Irritated Skin •Witch hazel, aloe vera, and calamine lotion • Eucalyptus oil – diffused kills microorganisms and toxins

Robert Benjamin

~ New Mexico Landscape Series ~ Limited Edition Giclées by Robert Benjamin www.RobertBenjamin.com RobertBenjaminLandscapes@live.com

Preventive Options to Stabilize Mast Cells and Prevent Histamine Release (before exposure) Quercetin is the most effective

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