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                                Remember Mother's Day

This article is reproduced from our Community Room at www.SeniorSSuperStoreS.com.  It is among hundreds of free resources we provide to our visitors in an effort to keep baby boomers, seniors and the elderly informed of matters that can affect their lifestyle.

In case you need to be reminded, Mother's Day here in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is the second Monday of each May – this year that is May 10. That's the day set aside to "go the extra mile" to honor our mothers both those still with us and those who have departed to their rewards……..

So, in memory of all the mothers out there, here's a light-hearted look at motherhood:

Somebody said a mother is an unskilled laborer - -

That somebody never gave a squirmy infant a bath!

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby - -

That somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, normal is history!

Somebody said a mother's job consists of wiping noses and changing diapers - -

That somebody doesn't know that a child is much more than the shell he lives in!

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct - -

That somebody never took a three-year-old shopping!

Somebody said being a mother is boring - -

That somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit!

Somebody said if you're a good mother, your child will turn out - -

That somebody thinks a child is like a bag of plaster of Paris that comes with directions, a mold and a guarantee!

Somebody said being a mother is what you do in your spare time - -

That somebody doesn't know that when you're a mother, you're a mother ALL the time!

Somebody said good mothers never raise their voices - -

That somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child wind up and hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window!

Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother - -

That somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can't love the fifth child as much as you love the first - -

That somebody doesn't have five children!

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books - -

That somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose!

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery - -

That somebody never watched her baby get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten!

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back - -

That somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married - -

That somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings!

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home - -

That somebody never had grandchildren!

Somebody said being a mother is a side dish on the plate of life - -

That somebody doesn't know what fills you up!

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her - -

That somebody isn't a mother!

Pass this along to all the mothers in your life!!!

So, remember Mother's Day. If you're looking for a gift for that special lady in your life, remember that among our more than 500 products, you should be able to find something that will enhance your mother's lifestyle

“Hear’s” to YOU!   

Understanding Hearing Frequencies

By Dr. Kimberly King, Audiologist

A physician friend of mine recently commented that he read one of my articles on hearing frequencies and found it very helpful in explaining hearing loss to a patient.  He said the article simplified the explanation of how patients may hear certain tones (or frequencies), but not others. 

    Sound frequencies involving human speech for example, occur from the middle to high frequency range of the tone spectrum and the inability to hear these frequencies clearly often contributes to difficulty in personal communication.  For example, women and children generally have “higher” voices and speak in tones at the higher end of the frequency spectrum.  Therefore, the patient who has experienced damage to the cilia in the cochlea through loud sounds, trauma, aging or disease, will have difficulty in deciphering words at these higher frequency levels. 

    Historically, audiologists have used hearing aids as a method for making up deficiencies in these tones.   However, older technology required that the ear canal be occluded (blocked) by a hearing aid which was custom molded to the patient’s ear canal.  With today’s technology we are now able to treat most patients with “open fit” hearing aids which do not require occlusion of the ear canal.  This allows the ear canal to “breath” as well as to receive other sounds (frequencies) which the patient already hears naturally. 

    Most hearing impaired patients are not “deaf” - they simply cannot hear clearly at certain frequencies.  Therefore if we can adjust the patient’s ability to hear those deficient frequencies more clearly, we can improve their hearing.  In turn this will enhance their ability to communicate as well as improve their ability to enjoy a better quality of life through better hearing.  

    Anyone who has interacted with a hearing impaired person can attest to how difficult it can be if the person does not hear well.   With the patient using high quality hearing instruments however, his or her family, social acquaintances and business associates should be able to communicate more effectively with the hearing impaired person because the patient is now hearing those words and sounds that he or she was missing.

    Given advances in today’s technology and in our ability to diagnose and treat hearing loss, most people can be helped.   There truly is a whole new world for the hearing impaired person.  Since many hearing impaired people are unaware of a hearing loss or actually deny that they have a hearing loss, I recommend a complete comprehensive examination by a Doctor of Audiology once a year beginning at the age of 60.  The sooner the hearing impaired patient gets treatment the better for everyone concerned.  

    For more information on hearing loss or to make an appointment, please call my office at 663-HEAR (4327).

Coping

Are You An Adrenalin Junkie?

By Joan Clark

Sounds weird, doesn’t it? Couldn’t possibly describe you, could it? Well, let’s see. Check the following list and decide for yourself.

    Last Minute Lizzie - She needs a deadline to perform, and then not until just before the Drop Dead moment is imminent. Even with plenty of time to perform a task, she doesn’t get into motion until the excitement of the due date generates her. The secondary gain is that if she makes a mistake, she can use the excuse that she didn’t have enough time to do it right.

    Stir It Up Susie - Quiet and order are not her style; chaos follows her everywhere. She only feels OK when things are boiling up around her. She is famous for escalating minor conflicts into large upheavals. She is especially fond of getting folks to be in conflict with each other. “Let’s you and her fight!” She gets pumped up as the spectator (and possibly peacemaker, eventually).The same goes for her friendships and romantic relationships. She provokes them to stay on the brink of disaster, threatening to end at any moment.

    Reckless Rita - Takes chances with anything and everything. Drives too fast, weaves in an out of lanes, runs red lights, and will take any dare offered, no matter how dangerous. She will associate with characters who live on the edge, and put herself in harm’s way for the fun of it. Brags that nothing frightens her. However, she is really afraid of down time and “nothing to do.” Underneath the bravado, she feels dead inside and needs the danger to feel alive.

    Dramatic Doris - Nothing in life is small or insignificant to her. She blows up all experiences or circumstances to gigantic proportions. Everything is either the best or the worst possible. A head cold is life-threatening, and a sprained ankle means never walking again and unbearable pain. Of course, if something is a real life crisis, then the excitement and the adrenalin are kept at peak.

    Busy Bee Betty - Famous for her multi-tasking, she is never still, juggling projects endlessly and simultaneously. Too pressed for time to chat, she runs from one thing to another, constantly volunteering if she does not already have enough on her plate to keep her excited and moving.

    She is the functional sister of the other ladies, afraid to have down time or “nothing to do.” Exhaustion or illness are the only things that slow her down or get her to quit.

    These portraits are somewhat exaggerated, in order to stress the point. However, you may well know one or more of these ladies. And, if you look in the mirror, you may see her closer than you would wish. What can you do about it? First of all, decide that you want to change and live with less adrenalin stoking you up, raising your blood pressure and generally harming your health. You can perform your daily routine at a reduced level of excitement.

    Then, talk to someone you trust, preferably another woman. Ask her to be completely frank and honest with you, and ask for specific incidents when you displayed any of these undesirable traits. Swallow hard and resolve to change. Ask your friend to keep tabs on your efforts to modify your tendencies, and check in with her regularly.

    Of course, it you need more objective help, try a spiritual advisor or a professional therapist.

    Family members may be too biased either for or against you to be of real assistance.

   Joan Clark, LISW, is the Director of Coping EAP and can be reached at

843-499-8318 or copingeap@sc.rr.com.

Wellness: For Your Pets Too

By Suzanne Swearengen, DOM

Pets are an integral part of the family for many households. A sick animal, or nagging aliment can create stress for family members. This is certainly not conducive to a happy household.  There are several things pet owners can do to ensure quality of life in their beloved pets.

    Beginning with the basics, be aware that not all pet food is created equal.  Feeding good quality food is essential for skin, kidney, and digestive health.  Avoid foods with artificial coloring and flavoring. Bright or unnatural colors are a good indicator of artificial ingredients.  Read labels like you would for your groceries. There are many affordable brands that focus on quality ingredients without harmful preservatives. The phrase, “ you are what you eat”, applies to animals too. Always be sure there is plenty of good quality water available for your pet. Hydration is as important to their kidneys and health as it is to ours. If possible, offer water that is free of chlorine and other chemicals.  Following these simple guidelines can save thousands on Veterinary bills and prolong the life of your family companion.

    Like humans, animals can experience troublesome ailments such as skin conditions, digestive issues, and Osteoarthritis. There are many natural solutions to get your pet’s health back on track. Of course, it is wise to consult with a trusted Veterinarian to rule out serious conditions.  For most skin problems such as flaking or itching, Flaxseed or Flaxseed oil have proven beneficial for skin and coat health. There are flax based supplements available for animals, which are palatable and convenient to feed. Apple cider vinegar with garlic is a good blood tonic, and helps deter fleas and ticks. A few drops per day mixed in with food will help to prevent skin problems caused by these parasites. For digestive upset, the Homeopathic remedy, Nux Vomica, is recommended. It is available over the counter and can be administered by adding it to their water. One can also obtain herbal essences formulated for animal digestive issues. For short-term diarrhea, Psyllium husks or Slippery Elm Bark powder will congeal loose stool and soothe the intestines. These can easily be administered through a portion of soft food. Arthritis commonly develops in animals as they age. It is as debilitating for them as it is for people, and there is no reason for them to suffer. In mild cases, the condition may be relieved with anti- inflammatory supplements such as Flaxseed or MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). Glucosamine and Chondroitin are wonderful for additional joint support, and prevention of further degeneration. Acupuncture is also an option.  Animals typically respond very quickly to Acupuncture treatment – better than most humans. 

    Another issue that can be addressed at home is emotionally based. In South Carolina, we experience thunderstorms on a regular basis. The noise and barometric pressure associated with these storms create fear and panic for many pets. A simple solution, which is safe and effective, is a Bach Flower formula called Rescue Remedy. This combination of herbal essences has a calming effect without any side effects. It is available in the pharmacy aisle of some grocery stores and most health food stores. Simply put a few drops in their water, directly on their gums, paw pads, or behind the ears. This remedy is good for any emotionally charged situation originating from stress or fear. 

    It is important to keep our family companion’s well being in mind. Prevention is as vital to their health as it is with humans. Providing them with quality food, water and activity will ensure fewer Vet bills. There are many simple solutions to common ailments, however, should a concern arise, never allow more than a few days to pass before consulting a professional. Animals often show symptoms after a condition has progressed. Addressing the problem quickly will lead to a faster recovery, which will enable you to enjoy the company of your furry family member for years to come. 

    Thought for the day: Why do animals respond faster to Acupuncture than humans?

S.Swearengen, DOM, AP, Premier Wellness, Inc., pwellness@earthlink.net • 941-730-4246.

Corn Casserole

Ingredients:

1 Can Corn Kernels

1 Can Creamed Corn

1 Egg

1 Sleeve Saltine Crackers (or Ritz crackers)

3/4 Cup of Milk

Butter to dot top

2 Teaspoons Sugar

Salt and Pepper

(I added diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350-375 degrees

Grease a casserole dish

Mix corn, egg, milk, sale, pepper, and sugar. Mix in 3/4 of the crackers, crushed.

Pour into the greased dish. Top with remaining crackers and dot with butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake for 40 minutes, checking for burning every 15 minutes. You may have to cover with foil to prevent crackers

from getting burned.

Enjoy!