FEBRUARY 2013 • VOL 8 • ISSUE 11 PUBLISHED BY THE SOUTH FLORIDA SUN TIMES WWW.AVENTURADIGEST.COM

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Life Without Contact Lenses And GlassesAlane Kravatz loves to dance.

She also loves going to live concerts and comedy shows, and enjoys making occasional trips to casinos. The active 56-year-old stays fit by swimming and working out at Zumba class. So when her eyesight started to decline drastically, it made a big difference in her lifestyle.

“My eyes had been getting progressively worse,” she says. “I’d been wearing contacts since I was 17 because I was very nearsighted, but for the last six months or so, they didn’t help anymore. I couldn’t see the performers at concerts and shows, even with binoculars, and I couldn’t watch TV.”

Perhaps the most difficult change was how her poor eyesight affected her ability to

drive. “I didn’t drive on the highway for a year,” says Alane, who has worked in sales for more than two decades. “And my night vision was bad, so I didn’t drive in the dark, even on city streets.”

Alane lives in Hollywood with her husband, Michael, who is a CPA, and their dog Paisley, a Labrador retriever. The couple has three children; twin boys who are attending the University of Florida and a daughter, a UF graduate who lives and works in New Jersey. Alane’s life was busy and full, but her inability to see clearly was affecting nearly every aspect of it. She was tired of it, so she paid a visit to the Braverman Eye Center in Hallandale Beach.

Dr. Stanley Braverman gave her what turned out to be good news. “He said I had cataracts,” she says. “I had blamed my poor vision on my age.”

Alane had a simple, painless surgical procedure to remove the cataracts. Because she was so nearsighted, Dr. Braverman was able to change the power of the lens implant that he used, to get rid of her severe myopia, and actually give her un-aided 20/20 vision in each eye. Afterward, she literally couldn’t believe her eyes.

“When I opened them, I could see perfectly,” she says. “I thought I was dreaming. They had told me my vision would be improved, but I didn’t expect it

Local Election Coverage

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 Alane Kravatz, pictured here with Dr. Stanley Braverman, is thrilled with her 20/20 vision after cataract surgery!

Discover a hidden gem in Hollywood that offers seniors a wonderful lifestyle, peace of mind, and compassionate care; all within a serene, tropical environment. Since fresh air and outdoor living can have a beneficial effect on residents and their health, Azalea Gardens, a Timeless Life Care community, was designed and is meticulously maintained to produce an atmosphere that is an oasis for the senses.

The gorgeous botanical garden is a sight to behold, with rainbow-hued colors and lovely fragrances that fill the air. A walking path winds through a lush landscape with a

variety of fruit trees, inviting a peaceful stroll. Magnificently spacious gazebos with benches offer shade and comfort, as an overhead fan creates a refreshing breeze. Residents and visitors can enjoy the serenity of a duck pond, as well as the beautiful Japanese koi displaying amazing shades of gold, orange and black as they gently swim through the pristine waters. Nearby fountains, featuring gently trickling water, create a soothing ambiance, as a myriad of butterflies adds to the beautiful atmosphere.

The earth-friendly environment extends to the

residences, which creates a lovely sense of flow connecting each suite to the stunning gardens. Just outside their doors, residents, their friends and family can take in views of the extraordinary surroundings from their own porches. Fully furnished rooms are available or individuals may personalize their space with their own possessions.

As Director of Community Relations Chris Snider explains, “The goal of Azalea Gardens is to provide Timeless Life Care in an aging-in-place facility. We are dedicated to promoting the well-being of each resident and helping them to maintain their independence in a

Island Resort Living at... Azalea Gardens

Miami Boat Show Fever: Pg 9

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The patient and any other person responsible for payments has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for any other service examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within seventy two (72) hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination or treatment, implant, cosmetic and laser dentistry is not recognized as a specialty by the ADA. All dentists are independent contractors.

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According to the Mayo Clinic -Here’s a look at some of the diseases and conditions that may be linked to oral health:

• Cardiovascular disease. Research shows that serveral types of cardiovascular disease may be linked to oral health. These include heart disease, clogged arteries, stroke and bacterial endocarditis. Some researchers believe that bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and travel through your arteries to your heart, affecting your cardiovascular system. Although periodontal disease seems to be associated with heart disease, more studies are needed before the link can be confirmed with certainty.• Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth. Some research has shown that disease-causing organisms in a pregant woman’s mouth can wind up in the placenta or amniotic fluid, possibly causing premature birth. Unfortunately, treating periodontal dis-ease during pregnancy may be too late, because the infection may have already spread in the woman’s body. This is why it’s vital to maintain excellent oral health before you get pregnant.• Diabetes. Diabetes increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth, and a variety of oral infections. Conversly, poor oral health can make your diabetes more difficult to control. Infections may cause your blood sugar to rise and require more insulin to keep it under control.• HIV/AIDS. In some cases, one of the first signs of AIDS may appear in your mouth, with several gum infections. You may also develop persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth.• Osteoporosis. The first stages of bone loss worsens from year to year, your den-tist may be able to spot this on routine dental X-rays. If bone loss worsens from year to year, your dentist can suggest that you discuss the issue with your other health care providers.• Other conditions. Many other con-ditions may make their presence known in your mouth before you know any-thing’s wrong. These may include Sjogren’s syndrome, certain cancers, eat-ing disorders, syphillis, gonorrhea and substance abuse.

So you can see how very important regular dental visits are and how avoiding the dentist can have severely adverse

Oral Health Can Have Dramatic Effects On Your Overall Health

effects on your overall health. The truth is that the bacteria in the mouth replicate and double every 30 days reaching destructive levels in just 90 days-so peo-ple with gum disease can have bone loss in as little as 3 months! Research keeps finding new links between oral health and the health of your body every day. The lat-est study was done on pancreatic cancer. Here’s what they found:

The Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that periodontal disease was asso-ciated with an increased risk of cancer of the pancreas. The study appeared in the January 17, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Data for the new study came from the Health Professional’s Follow-Up Study, which began in 1986 and includes 51,529 U.S. men working in the health profes-sions. Participants respond to question-nares about their health every two years. After analyzing the data, the researchers confirmed 216 cases of pancreatic cancer between 1986 and 2002; of those 67 reported periodontal disease.

The results showed that, after adjust-ing for a smoking, diabetes, body mass index and a number of other factors, men with periodontal disease had a 63% high risk or developing pancreatic cancer com-pared to those reporting no periodontal disease. “Most convincing was our finding that never-smokers had a two-fold increase in risk of pancreatic cancer,” said Michaud.

So that’s the latest information about your mouth!! I know time slips by and seeking a dentist often gets put off until there is a problem or pain. I just wanted to let you know - we understand and don’t lecture our patients about haveing not been in for so long. The key thing is to take care of any problems, create a great re-care system fo you and make sure you keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime which will in turn keep your whole body healthier!!

For a complimentary consultation, call: 954-922-4633

Dr. Chander Gupta D.D.S., M.A.G.D. 129 E. Dania Beach Blvd.954-922-4633

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ONTENTSCFRONT PAGE

Life With Out Contact Lenses And Glasses..................................PG 1Island Resort Living At... Azalea Gardens....................................PG 1Miami Boat Show Fever................................................................PG 9

CITY NEWSOral Health Can Have Dramatic Effects On Your Health...........PG 3Aventura Confidential: Miami Boast Show Fever.......................PG 7Simple Tips To Glam Up Your Look............................................PG 11Miami Boat Show Brings Luxury Lifestyle To Aventura...........PG 12Community Calendar.................................................................PG 14Four Surprising Ways Your iPad Makes Life Easier...................PG 16Allowance, More Than Teaching Kids Lasting Money Skills....PG 17How To Shop Your Way To Free Retirement...............................PG 17Save A Bundle By Bundling Insurance......................................PG 18

LIFESTYLEFL Grand Opera Opens With Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”.......PG 19Broward Stage Door Brings Back “Damn Yankees”..................PG 19Small Steps Keep Financial Resolutions Within Reach............PG 20Horoscopes..................................................................................PG 21

HEALTHTips For People With High Blood Pressure...............................PG 23Why You Shouldn’t Let Diabetic Nerve Pain Go Untreated.....PG 24Money Advice For Expectant And New Parents.......................PG 25

REAL ESTATE Pg 26-27

Moving Or Improving? Tips For A Flawless Painting Project...PG 26Kitchen Updates That Won’t Break The Bank...........................PG 26

305 NW 10th Terrace, Hallandale Beach, 33009 Tel: 954-458-0635 | www.aventuradigest.com

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CITY NEWS

safe, secure environment.” Providing a pleasurable din-

ing experience is an important part of that commitment. Deliciously fresh ingredients are used in preparing the meals, with the menu carefully crafted by a licensed dietician. To ensure that residents’ indi-vidual dietary needs are sat-

AZALEA GARDENSContinued From Page 1

isfied, personalized meal plans are easily accom-modated.

Since a key objective of Azalea Gardens is to empower its residents, a comprehensive personal enrichment program is offered, as are opportunities to form meaningful social connections. Regularly sched-uled events, activities and out-ings include daily exercise in the gazebo, aromatherapy,

barbecues every Saturday with family and friends, live music, and other excursions. A shut-tle bus takes adventures to local attractions such as Lion Country Safari, the movies and the beach for lunch.

Maintaining communi-cation between residents and their family members can pro-vide greater peace of mind. By logging on to a private, secured website, out-of-town

and local family members can access cameras positioned around the property so they may discover what their loved ones are doing each day. Onsite, a state-of-the-art com-puter and video camera allows residents the ability to con-nect with family and friends through Skype sessions.

At Azalea Gardens, you will find excellent quality of care, a rich social environment, and a

compassionate, caring staff, all in a beautifully serene community.

For more information, call Mary Howard at 954-921-5990 to arrange a tour or visit www.Azaleagardens.net.Azalea Gardens Assisted Living Resort is located at 1701 Mayo Street in Hollywood. ALF LIC# 10106

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CITY NEWS

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Aventura ConfidentialMiami Boat Show Fever

ABOUT LISA OVERINGAs long as there’s salt, sand or swamp involved, marine journalist Lisa Overing feels

buoyant. Contact her at LisaOvering@aol.com or enjoy a glimpse of her writing portfolio at www.lisaovering.com.

By Lisa Overing - Aventura Digest

Aventura’s luxury con-dos offer the most spec-tacular views in South Florida. Serenely private and secure, many com-plexes are soaring glass towers, testaments to modern architecture on acres of landscaped grounds surrounded on two sides by water. Stunning views of the city, ocean and Intracoastal through floor-to-ceiling windows provide a tech-nicolor fireworks display that lights up the pano-rama on all sides during the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. But the most spectacular sight is the hundreds of yachts rolling on the Intracoastal to the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, off and on for 10 days.

We stare lazily at the daily parade of yachts on the Atlantic’s azure waters

every day, hypnotized by the rhythmic crest of the tide rolling in and out. It’s all a reward for living in paradise, to enjoy all these boats.

During the daytime, the warm Atlantic sun gently balms your skin until the night, which almost requires a sweater on the balcony. It’s wonderfully pleasant, listening to the gentle waves swishing back and forth as the night wind gently blows your hair. Sometimes you’ll spot a magnificent dolphin prancing through the canal, coming up for air before another effortless porpoise splash down-ward, and up again, a few yards later. The rhythmic repetition of their swim is entrancing under the moonlight.

Everyone who lives in Aventura is dedicated to immersing themselves in

the luxury waterfront life-style. Sitting on the bal-cony, watching the mag-nificent parade of megay-achts and marine life with a cool ocean breeze, even in the middle of summer, is a daily ritual.

As for me, I can’t get enough of the yachts or the boat show, which I first attended in 1999, as a spectator. Then I realized that reshaping my writing genre to marine journal-ism was a great way to make money and attend the show I loved for free. I get paid to write about the biggest luxury yachts and the celebs who own them. I take all the rides on the big boats and sample the gourmet food in the plush-est of posh environments. It’s tough work, really. I can’t wait to get back to my waterfront balcony, put my feet up and relax as I watch today’s boat parade.

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CITY NEWS

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(BPT) - Most women would agree that getting ready for a night out on the town is much more exciting than getting ready for a typical day. Dressing up, adding some shine or a little extra sparkle to your outfit can give your mood a boost whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular day.

If you’re concerned that dressing up your daily ensemble will take your look over the top, remember that it’s all about adding the right touches. Think of it as bringing added interest to a basic look, rather than wearing the same items you’d wear to a party. And if you are headed to a special event, some extra touches can make your look that much more show-stopping.

“Adding a bit of glamour to any outfit serves two purposes,” says Janette Ewen, style expert for PANDORA Jewelry. “It gives an added touch of refinement - and fun - to your workday looks, but it also makes you feel special. When you’re well dressed, you feel your best - it’s really as simple as that.”

To make date night, lunch with friends or even a day at the office a little more special, follow Ewen’s tips for adding glam touches to your wardrobe.

• Stand out. “Opt for pieces that will set you apart from the crowd, whether it’s a brightly colored article of clothing, a striking pair of shoes or attention-grabbing jewelry,” Ewen says. PANDORA’s Winter collection features charms with pave-set stones in a variety of colors that add shine and sparkle.

• Choose an area of focus. If your blouse is boldly colored, let that be the “star” item, and make the rest of your

clothes and accessories the supporting cast. “Picking one area to focus on keeps your look classy, rather than overdone,” adds Ewen.

• Shop for transitional pieces. When you’re at the mall or a clothing bou-tique, look for items that can be worn day to night with the help of the right acces-sories. Some blouses can be perfectly work-appropriate when topped by a blazer, and then be ready for a night on the town with the addition of jewelry or a different pair of shoes. “I love to pop the collar on a simple white blouse and add long, layered necklaces,” suggests Ewen.

• Don’t overdo it. “If you choose to focus on jewelry, feel free to stack spar-kling bracelets against neutral clothing,” says Ewen. Avoid piling on big earrings, statement necklaces, lots of rings and stacks of bracelets all together. The right amount of sparkle will make your look sophisticated; too much is simply too much.

• Wear with confidence. No mat-ter how you choose to accessorize or highlight your look, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Ewen points out that you don’t need to go out-side your style in order to make your look more glamorous - simply add a little shine to a look that’s perfectly your own.

No matter the season, what you wear can have an effect on how you feel. So whether you’re planning what to wear to holiday festivities or the perfect items to pack for vacation, keep these tips in mind to look and feel your best. For more inspi-ration, visit www.pandora.net, or to give the gift of glam, go to www.PandoraGiftAdvisor.com.

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CITY NEWS

If you like the free entertainment of watching hundreds of yachts, each more magnificent than the next, cruising past your Aventura-area condo on the Intracoastal Waterway, then your balcony is a ringside seat for the greatest boat show in the world, Miami International Boat Show. This boat show is so big that it actually spans four locations as it cruises into town this week, February 14 -18th.

You’ll see hundreds of really big yachts cruising in and out of town just from your window perch. But if you’re more than a boat voyeur, if you’re a real buyer or just a nautical enthusiast who can drive to the show, there are four tremendous venues to enjoy, all connected by either a water taxi shuttle or free show bus.

The heart of beautiful Miami Beach on Indian Creek Waterway is where you’ll find the biggest yachts at The Yacht and Brokerage Show. 500 of the world’s most extraordinary and uniquely designed yachts and superyachts from the world’s foremost custom boat builders literally transform the 4100 to 6100 blocks of Collins Avenue into a one billion dollar presentation of wealth and the luxury life-style.

The yachts are berthed on the canal across from the Eden Roc and Fontainebleu hotels, which are a com-plete bottleneck with the Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami Beach. Patrons walk this in-water show for free.

Located at the north end of the this show is TrawlerPort, offering an impres-sive display of the long-range cruisers called trawlers, offered in lengths ranging from 35 to 90 feet and built for world cruising and extended voyages.

Miami Boat Show brings ultimate luxury lifestyle to Aventura

Over 3,000 smaller boats will exhibit at the boat show’s paid entry venues at Miami Beach Convention Center, The New Yacht & Power Boat Show at Sea Isle Marina, and Strictly Sail® at Miamarina at Bayside.

The boat show is a buzz for the entire metro area, including Aventura’s shop-ping and marinas.

“There are some yachts docked right out my window at the Waterways Marina that are here to be taken to the boat show,” says Brenda Vitucci, a marine industry realtor with Decision Dynamics.

“Most of the yachts are in the over 60 feet. The owners either are staying on the yacht, with friends in the area, or at a hotel.”

According to Vitucci, the boat show brings individual boat owners and their boats, as well as boat dealers, brokers, buyers and sellers to the marinas in Aventura before, during and after the show.

Although Aquamarina Hi-Lift already enjoys 90 percent booking level with ves-sels in its drystack, they get a bump in activity before, during and after the show.

Hi-Lift has fuel and service available for boaters at its longtime location on NE187th Street, with Sundance Marine onsite selling brokerage vessels and fac-tory direct Formula boats.

“Aventura is a popular docking des-tination for many boat show bound yachts,” says Vitucci. “Many are taken to the show for display and sale. The boating influx to the area is a positive for the Aventura economy. This demographic has discretionary income to spend gen-erously. Retail, restaurant and service industries in Aventura will all benefit.”

By Lisa Overing - Aventura Digest

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Life for Alane is easier and more fun now. Gone are the messy contact solutions and the daily hassle of dealing with the lenses. “I wake up in the morning and I don’t have to put in my contacts, which is a pleasure,” she says. “Sometimes I can still hardly believe it. I can see without my glasses or contact lenses for the first time in my life!”

Her excursions to the beach are more enjoyable than ever. “I can swim without contacts now,” she says. “And when I go to Zumba class, I can see the teacher again. It’s like a whole new life.”

She is also back to enjoying the concerts she loves to attend. “I can see the performers again, even without binoculars,” she says. “My vision is 20/20.”

Driving is easy, regardless of the time of day. “I’m zipping around the highway at night with no fear at all,” she says.

The people at the Braverman Eye Center made her experience a positive one by assuaging any concerns and making her feel at home. “Dr. Braverman and his whole office staff was wonderful,” she says.

“This has enhanced my life and made a significant difference,” she adds. “I’m thrilled.” What Are Cataracts

A cataract is formed when the natural lens of the eye, responsible for focusing light and producing sharp images, becomes cloudy and hardens, resulting in a loss of visual function. The lens of the eye is clear at birth but is one of the first parts of the body to show the effects of aging. A cataract is painless and usually develops gradually over several months or years. The onset of a cataract in one or both eyes may cause decreased night vision, impaired depth perception, and increased color distortion.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 55 and older. In fact, poor vision from cataracts affects 60 percent of all adults over age 60. However, cataracts also can result from injury, heredity, or medications, so they can affect people of all ages.

Understanding that no two conditions or patients are the same, Dr. Braverman analyzes the patient’s symptoms, performs a comprehensive eye exam, and may test for glare disability and contrast sensitivity before making a diagnosis. The final decision to proceed with the surgery belongs to the patient.

Your optometrist or Dr. Braverman may prescribe glasses, medication or surgery depending on your symptoms, complaints and age. Usually surgery will not be recommended until glasses no longer work to make you visually happy. In the case of lensectomy surgery, the patient cosmetically wants to get rid of their glasses.CATARACT SURGERY: What to expect

Cataract surgery is the removal of your cloudy natural lens, which is usually dissolved using high frequency ultrasound through a small (less than 3 millimeter) opening. An artificial lens is then placed inside the eye where the cloudy lens used to be. Cataract surgery continues to improve. Recent developments include no-stitch surgery, topical anesthesia, surgical correction of astigmatism, and new upgraded premium lens designs. Eye drops are given to the patient to aid in the healing of the eye, which takes a few months, but the patient is able to

return to normal activity almost immediately after surgery and usually sees well within just days.

If the eye is otherwise healthy, cataract surgery is successful in more than 98% of patients and they enjoy improved vision after the procedure.About Dr. Stanley Braverman

Dr. Stanley Braverman is a Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine and the Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He is also an Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor at the Nova Southeastern School of Optometry. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Braverman, a board-certified ophthalmologist, has been a medical researcher, and is the inventor of several eye surgical instruments, and author of many articles for medical journals. He has lectured at professional meetings about upgraded lens implants, advanced cataract surgery and LASIK, both nationally and internationally. He has recently been recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Fifteen Leaders in Laser Eye Surgery in 2011, and recently co-authored a book on Z-Lasik that is being distributed internationally. You can find it on Amazon.com.

An initial cataract consultation can be scheduled by calling the Braverman Eye Center at: (954) 458-2112 or (305) 374-8694 . For additional information please contact Regina Vasquez, Surgery Coordinator, or visit the Braverman Eye Center website at www.bravermaneyecenter.com where you can watch a video of cataract surgery and learn more about all of the latest advances in cataract surgery and upgraded lens implants.

In addition to Dr. Stanley Braverman, a Refractive Cataract and LASIK Laser Vision Correction surgeon, your other sub-specialty eye care needs can also be evaluated and treated. On staff at the Braverman Eye Center are Rashid Taher MD FACS and Tirso Lara MD FACS, Vitreo-Retinal surgeons; David Tenzel MD FACS, Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon; Aarup Kubal MD FACS, Complex Glaucoma Specialist; Jesse Pelletier MD, FACS, Corneal Surgeon; and, Eric Ciliberti MD, Neuro-Ophthalmologist; Ryan Y. Hargreaves OD and Valerie Croteau OD. All sub-specialist surgeons at the Braverman Eye Center are Board Certified Ophthalmologists.

The Braverman Eye Center is located at: 1935 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. www.bravermaneyecenter.com

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CITY NEWSCOMMUNITYCALENDAR If you would like to submit an announcement for our Community Calendar in the paper – or online, where you are guaranteed placement weekly, please send it to: Larry Blustein, Community Calendar Editor, 305 N.W. 10th Terrace, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009; Fax: 954 458-0765 or via e-mail to: AVENTURADIGEST@hotmail.com. For a complete listing of all Community Calendar items, please check website at: www.southfloridasuntimes.com.

• Aventura Hospital Volunteer Program Opportunities. If you are looking for a challenging volunteer position, Aventura Hospital has many to offer. Patient Escort, Surgical Waiting Room, Human Resources, Mail Room, Front Desk and Dietary. Please contact Sandy Cohn, Volunteer Services 305 682-7395.

• Prostate Cancer Free Support group:Meets the fourth Sunday of every month at Biscayne Medical Arts Plaza, 21110 Biscayne Boulevard, Ground Floor, Aventura. The Biscayne Medical Arts Plaza is located directly across from the Best Buy store on Biscayne Boulevard on 211th Street. Parking is FREE in front of the building. There are highly informative presentations by professionals in this field and are held monthly. Tasty treats and fresh coffee are provided. Guests and spouses are always welcome.

• Lions Charity Bingo open 7 days & nights, complete bingo package includes: Free round trip transportation, all regular bingo games and specials, free dinner and beverage; free bingo marker, cash prizes totaling over $1,000. All for only $25. Group discounts available. Call Lion Tom at: (954) 981-9900, 18288 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach.

• Public Speaking: Toastmaster Daybreak Club, Toastmasters has helped thousands of people learn to speak comfortably in public. Plus, you’ll gain more confidence and learn leadership skills. Free guest visit/$39 to join for 6 months. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. North Miami Beach Library con-ference room, 1601 NE 164th Street. Info, call Rick Zoehfeld, VP Membership: (305) 948-7343 Or: honeyko96@hotmail.com.

• Join us for Torah Study Monday & Thursday evenings, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (no charge) with Rabbi Goldsmith at Temple Shuva Israel, which is located at the Publix Shopping Center, next to the HSBC Bank, for info, call: (305) 933-1177.

• South Florida’s Single Network: Dances are held every weekend at popular loca-tions throughout the tri-county areas. Includes buffets and live bands. No mem-bership fees. Call the 24 hour partyline for the next event: (305) 932-4192.

• Free English Classes (ESOL) for all lev-els is offered. Monday through Friday. 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Marian Towers 17505 North Bay Road. Sunny Isles Beach, call: (305) 891-6590 for more information.

• Baby Boomers and seniors free net-working web-site – Interactive, good jokes, helpful health recipes, forums, pro-files, www.genkvetch.com. Everyone wel-come. For more infor, call: (305) 865-7336.

• Seniors vs. Crime is a special project of the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Florida with 35 offices throughout the state. Trained volunteers will provide free assistance to the elderly (or any adult) who might have been scammed or victim-ized by contractors or other unscrupulous businesses. Visit the local office at the North Miami Beach Police Station, 16901 NE 19th Ave., open 10 a.m - 2 p.m. Mon.-Wed., call for appointment: (305) 948-2955. Visit: www.seniorsvscrime.com.

• Amateur Jai Alai – free lessons: You’ve seen it, bet on it, now you can play it! Amateur Jai-Alai has come to Florida! FREE lessons given at Hallandale Beach handball courts and American Amateur Jai-Alai Fronton in North Miami. (A Not-For-Profit Organization) from ex-Dania pros Raul and Luis. Cestas & rubber balls supplied, 100% safe. Ages 12-72 welcome. Call: (786) 629-5428 Or e-mail: adma-nUSA@aol.com.

• Poets & writers forum: Monthly forum in which poets & writers can share the joy of words. 1 p.m. first Sat. of each month at North Miami Beach Public Library, 1601 Northeast 164th Street, North Miami Beach. Free admission, call: (305) 932-0907.

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“PAIN FREE ALL LASER”Bladeless Z-LasikTHE NEXT GENERATION FEMTOSECOND LASER

For your Free Lasik Screening with Dr Stanley Braverman, please contact Rosemary at the Braverman Eye Center

1935 E Hallandale Beach Blvd, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009Tel: (954) 458-2112 • Fax: (954) 458-7186Refractive Surgery Hotline (888) 954-LASIK

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Major Benefits To Patients: • A Safer, Bladeless Procedure• Greater Ease And Comfort• Faster Visual Recovery • Rapid Healing

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CITY NEWS

(BPT) - With about 100 million iPads sold since the ground-breaking tablet launched in April 2010, chances are you either have one or at least know someone who does. If you’re the proud owner of an iPad, are you using it to its full potential? Possibly not, if the results of a 2012 Business Insider survey are any indication.

The survey of 2,242 iPad users found that the majority are using their tablets in very traditional ways, from Web browsing (37.3 percent) and communicating via email and social media (21.4 percent), to watching video (12.3 percent) and playing games (11 percent). Yet with a little creativity - and the right accessories - it’s possible to find uses for your iPad in virtually every room of your home.

Here are four ways you could use your iPad to make life easier and more interesting:

1. As a cooking aidRecipe websites

abound, but when you want to try a new recipe do you find yourself printing it out and then juggling the paper while trying to cook? And if you like the recipe, what are the chances that you’ll misplace that printout before you cook the dish again? Your iPad can help solve the problem.

Get yourself an iPad Mount for magnetic surfaces (Sanus makes the VTM7 for this purpose), mount your iPad on the side of the refrigerator closest to your cooking area, or on any other convenient metal surface, and you’ll never have to deal with printed recipes

Four surprising ways youriPad makes life easier

again. The mount is designed to work with the Apple Smart Cover and is compatible with the iPad 2, and the third and fourth generation iPad.2. To expand your home office

Millions of Americans now work from home, and many with traditional office jobs also do some work at home. A second monitor can make work tasks easier, but fitting two, full-sized monitors on the average home office desk can be a challenge. You can use your iPad as a second monitor for your laptop or desktop computer with the help of apps designed for this purpose. These apps use your iPad’s Wi-Fi capabilities to share a video signal with your tablet. Make it even easier with a VTM1 iPad Mount designed to hold your iPad upright on a desk.3. To order a meal

Have you ever had to wait for a table at your favorite restaurant, and asked to look at the menu while you wait? What if they’re so busy they don’t have a menu to spare? Whip out your iPad (who doesn’t carry it with them everywhere?), access the restaurant’s website and peruse the menu online. By previewing the menu on your iPad, you can be

ready to order as soon as you sit down. Some leading-edge restaurants have even begun using iPads for menus, complete with interactive apps that help you choose dishes and even indicate how you’d like your steak cooked.4. To simplify your home technology

From the flat screen HDTV and blu-ray player to the surround sound and home automation systems, your home is probably full of remote controls. How many times have you wanted to turn off the TV and grabbed the wrong remote? Or couldn’t find the remote that would allow you to set your home security system? With the right app and accessories, your iPad can simplify your home technology by replacing many (if not all) of those remotes. Many major cable and satellite providers offer free apps for this purpose.

It seems likely the iPad is here to stay. The Business Insider survey found that nearly half of all respondents (46.7 percent) now use their iPads as their primary computer. With the technology getting better all the time, iPad devotees will continue to find more creative uses for this groundbreaking tablet.

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CITY NEWS

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(BPT) - One of the most exciting parts of parent-hood is watching your children learn as they grow. Of course, life’s les-sons can be tough just as

often as they can be pleas-ant. And as you want to protect kids from falling off their bike or scraping a knee, you also want to set them up for a successful financial future, as free from worries as possible.

One of the best things you can do to prepare your kids for a lifetime of han-dling money is to get them started early. But it isn’t only about timing - follow-ing through with lessons and providing plenty of explanation is essential.Keep these tips in mind to give your kids a leg up in learning about finances.

• Start saving. The ear-lier you can get your kids into the habit of saving, the more they’ll have to enjoy down the road. The concept doesn’t need to be overly complex - and it shouldn’t be, when you’re dealing with very young

Think beyond the allowance to teach kids lasting money skills

children. Piggy banks are a perfect tool for starting saving habits; a simple glass jar works, too, and gives kids an exciting vis-ual to associate with their

savings. As your children grow, so should their ideas about saving money. Opening a real savings account in your child’s name is not only an excit-ing event for her, it builds an early understanding of banking. Some schools and banks even have part-nerships that allow stu-dents to make deposits at school. If your school doesn’t offer such a pro-gram, make trips to the bank with your kids and show them how to moni-tor their accounts.

• Have ongoing conver-sations about money. Making your children comfortable with discuss-ing finances is a gift that, while not flashy, will serve them well throughout their lives. Start conver-sations about needs versus wants, budgeting and life’s necessary expenditures. Encourage price compari-

son skills by going grocery shopping together and looking at different brands. Set an example by telling kids how you save up to buy an item that you

want and ways that you cut costs - and what you can get from the savings. If there’s something your child wants, provide guidance and ideas for how to save up the amount needed to make the pur-chase.

• Effectively use an allowance. An allowance is a tricky thing - it can be a good teaching

tool, but you don’t want your kids to view it as a handout. Whether or not you choose to associate chores with an allowance is up to you, but you should have discussions with your children about when allowances will be paid, and how they can be spent - or saved. Encourage savings by pro-viding two bank envelopes - one for savings and one for spending. If your

budget allows for it, con-sider a “match” program in which you contribute a percentage every time your child makes a savings deposit.

• Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Some of the most powerful lessons lie in making mistakes, so don’t be afraid to let your children make some less-than-perfect decisions. Whether they overspend their budgets or waste money on something frivolous and later regret it, it’s important for them to learn the consequences of financial mismanage-ment early in life.

Teaching kids about money can be daunting, but doing so lays the groundwork for a stable financial future. Whenever possible, make lessons about money fun, yet practical; emphasize that money doesn’t have to be scary, and that good things come from using it wisely.

Visit the Equifax Finance Blog (blog.equifax.com) for more useful information and tips on managing family money matters.

How To Shop Your WayTo Free Retirement

(NewsUSA) - For the first time, every American can now build their own nest egg by just doing their normal day-to-day shopping at places that they know and like.

Accumulating a retirement nest egg after a life-time of hard work has always been a core part of the “American Dream.” That dream, however, is now in jeopardy -- but help is finally here for all Americans to secure their financial futures.

A first-of-its-kind company, XtraPlan, Inc., has launched a unique program in which national and local retailers and service providers help fund each XtraPlan’s member’s nest egg or retirement account when shopping at their locations or online. Members save up to 20 percent for each purchase they make, which goes directly into their nest egg or retirement accounts. There are thou-sands of national and local merchants in the pro-gram, such as Target, Sears and Apple, and addi-tional merchants are being added every day.

“XtraPlan was created to help tackle the prob-lem of saving for retirement by empowering con-sumers to build their own personal savings account as they shop,” said Kuba Farbiarz, XtraPlan’s CEO. “Membership is fast, easy and free, just by logging on to www.xtraplan.org .”

There’s also a special program that can earn a member additional cash for referring a new con-sumer to XtraPlan -- 4 percent of the new mem-ber’s earnings. To learn more about XtraPlan’s free membership program that can help you save for your nest egg or retirement, visit www.xtraplan.org.

The Two Most Trusted NamesLevitt-Weinstein Memorial Chapels • Beth David Memorial Gardens

Broward - Dade - Palm Beach Hollywood

954-963-2400 / 1-800-353-5400 / www.levitt-weinstein.com

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CITY NEWSSave a bundle bybundling insurance

Bundling insurance products with one company - and scoring cheaper premiums as a reward - isn’t a new concept. It’s a perennially popular option, and the benefits it offers can lead to greater satisfaction and greater savings.

Charles Valinotti, Head of Underwriting & Product with insurer QBE, says bundling insurance policies offers other benefits besides lower premiums.

“Customer convenience is one advantage,” says Valinotti. “It’s easier to manage insurance policies when you don’t have to work with multiple insurers.”

How can you get the biggest bang out of your insurance bundle? Valinotti suggests:

• Take a look at all your insurance policies. If they’re not with the same insurance company, you could be losing

as much as 25 percent in discounts. • Consider adding an umbrella policy.

If you own your home, an umbrella policy

gives you extra liability protection on your home and car, and might earn you other discounts.

• Research options for renters. Look into bundling a renters policy with your car insurance, which might result in as much as a 20 percent discount on your auto coverage.

Valinotti adds, “Make sure you speak with your agent about all available bundling options and choose those you’re most comfortable with.”

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LIFESTYLES

Phone Orders Every DayEncore 305-919-3731

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Julius Littman Performing Arts TheatreJulius Littman Performing Arts Theatre17011 Northeast 19th Avenue - North Miami Beach

BOX OFFICE NOW OPEN!!!Tuesdays and Thursdays - 11 am to 2 pm. Tickets on sale.

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•  Variety Show•  12 Acts

•  Comics•  Comedy Magic

•  Impressionists•  Vocalists

•  And many more.Broward Stage Door Theatre Brings Back One Of Broadways Greatest Musicals “Damn Yankees”

Damn Yankees is the only successful musical comedy built around the American national pastime of baseball and Joe Hardy, a middle-aged, happily married baseball fan. He is usually found at home watching a game on the TV. He is very upset because his team, the Washington Senators, are not able to win a game, when suddenly the devil, with the name Applegate, pays him a visit to proposition him with the idea of trading his soul for the Senators to win a pen-nant, in addition to the World Series. Joe agrees, since he never thought about his soul in the first place, and suddenly has found exceptional power to play base-ball.

When Van Buren, manager of the Senators, finds it’s impossible to get the team to ever win a game, he decides to

give their new rookie, Joe Hardy, a chance to see what he could do for the team. Surprisingly, Joe proves to be the exact choice to help bring the team to many victories. As time goes by, he misses his wife and becomes saddened because he left her without any notice, or his plans, and was not able to discuss with her all that has happened, or that he is O.K. The play goes on with many difficult situa-tions, and decisions, Joe must make to be really happy.

Damn Yankees played on Broadway for more than a thousand performances and is now being performed at the Broward Stage Door Theatre located at 8036 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, through February 10, 2013. Performances are Fri., Sat., & Sun., evenings at 8 p.m. matinees 2 p.m. Tickets are $38 and $42. For other information call 954-344-7765.

Eleanor Hannan - Aventura Digest

Florida Grand Opera Opens Season With Mozart’s Opera “The Magic Flute” At Arsht Center

Florida Grand Opera presents ”The Magic Flute.” Mozart’s master-piece reveals some of opera’s most beloved characters, the vengeful Queen of the Night, her contrary daughter Pamina, the charming bird catcher Papageno, and the hand-some prince Tamino, charged by the Queen with the rescue of her lovely daughter, from the hands of the supposedly evil Sarastro. They play out a timeless drama of good versus evil.

When the handsome prince is lost, in a distant land, and is being pursued

by a serpent, he faints from exhaustion and three lady attendants of the Queen of the Night, appear and kill the ser-pent. Finding the uncon-scious prince extremely attractive, each tries to convince the other two to leave, in order to be alone with him. After arguing, they decide none will stay and leave together. Tamino recovers and Papageno arrives saying, he killed the serpent with his bare hands. The three ladies return and punish him for telling a lie by putting a padlock over his mouth, and tell Tamino the truth. They show him a picture

of Pamina, with whom he falls instantly in love. The Oueen appears and tells Tamino, Pamina is her daughter, who was cap-tured by her enemy Sarastro, and demands Tamino go to his temple and rescue Pamina, whom he can marry in return.

But all is not as it seems as the opera progresses at the Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House, February 1, 5, 10 and 16, 2013, evenings 8 p.m. matinee 2 p.m, located at 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Tickets start at $11 and up at the box office. For more information call 1-800-741-1010.

Eleanor Hannan - Aventura Digest

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(BPT) - Keeping reso-lutions is the hardest part of making them. If you’re like many, 2013 may be the year of get-ting your financial house in order. For some, that may mean getting out from credit card debt or paying off a student loan; for oth-ers, it may mean setting aside more for emer-gency savings or for retirement.

Whatever your financial resolution, keep in mind that even the smallest, simplest steps can add up over the course of a year to some sizable savings. If you’re looking for a few ways to hold onto extra cash, here are five tips to trim your household budget without feeling too big of a pinch:

1. Get rid of unused memberships: Make a com-plete list of all your memberships and their associated annual fees. Objectively assess how often you use them. If you haven’t visited the gym, the museum or that web-site in ages, then cancel your membership and pocket the savings.

2. Try borrowing: If you haven’t been to your local library lately, it might be time for a reintroduction. It’s easier than ever to borrow books, magazines, DVDs and even e-books, with many libraries offering convenient online hold services that allow you to request items and receive notification as soon as they’re available.

3. Consider a cash-back service: Let’s face it, no matter how stringent you are about saving, spending for necessities is inevitable. Why not make it work for you? In addition to cash-back services now offered by many banks and credit card companies, online sites with free membership, like Ebates and FatWallet, can provide additional cash-back muscle and get you money-saving coupons and deals.

4. Review your cellphone plan: Are you paying for minutes, text or data you never use? If you’re locked into a contract and are paying for more than you need, consider flexible no-contract plans - such as those offered by Consumer Cellular - that let you select a plan that meets your needs and change as often as you need without penalty. Be sure to understand any early ter-mination fees with your current provider before making the switch; if the fees are exorbitant, it may be wise to wait until your contract is up.

5. Avoid late fees: If you’re notorious for burying your bills and finding them well after their due dates, consider setting up automatic bill payment if your bank- offers the service free of charge. Avoiding late fees keeps more money in your wallet and can help your credit score, too.

Taking time to review where your money is going and making some minor adjustments to your spending habits can get you off to a good start in terms of keeping your financial resolutions. Once you’re comfortable with small changes, start building on them to make an even bigger impact and move even closer to your goals.

Small steps keep financialresolutions within reach

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Single Tickets: $32 All Tickets are Available at the Door

Box Office: (954) 624-6829Showtime 7:30pm - Free Parking - Valet Parking Available

Hallandale Symphonic Pops Orchestra

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Gulfstream ParkThe Sport Of Kings Theater, Second Floor

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Performances Held At:

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Carlos Manuel Santana Josephine Dolce

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ARIES(March 21 - April 19)It is not like you to take a subtle, low-key role in any situation - you were born to lead - but this month, you will soon see this is the best tack to take.

TAURUS(April 20- May 20)Get ready for a big career month, dear Taurus. Last month, Mars toured your prestigious tenth house of fame and honors, and you may have started to make inquiries and form your strategy for a big surge in your career to start now.

GEMINI(May 21 - June 20)You are moving into a very exciting professional phase, something you will begin to see in late February and through most of March, so start thinking big.

CANCER(June 21 - July 22)Money management is on your mind as the month begins, for the Sun and Venus are in your eighth house of other people’s money. It’s a perfect time to attend to these matters, for the presence of Venus suggests a possibly lucra-tive outcome.

LEO(July 23- August 22)Lucky you, you have all the right romantic aspects to make Valentine’s Day, February 14, a day for the record books. If you have been dating a long time and hope to set the date for marriage, this could be the year the proposal is given and the date is set.

VIRGO(Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)This month, your partner or others you work with on the team will hold the keys to your progress, so you

will have to take a back seat and go along with the ideas of the group.

LIBRA(Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)Life has not been easy for you, dear Libra, but February brings relief, at least briefly, and reasons to let go and have delicious fun. It’s been a long time since you felt relaxed.

SCORPIO(Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)If you find yourself sud-denly looking at decorat-ing ideas you are now in the very best period of 2013 to make your home a happier place to be.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)As February begins, you are starting to think about your living situation and how you can improve your living situation in a big way.

CAPRICORN(Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)It’s a brand new year, and

you appear to be deter-mined to get your financial house in order.

AQUARIUS(Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)This month, life is sweet, just in time for birthday time! The Sun is in Aquarius and so is Venus, a sure-fire combination to make life lively.

PISCES(Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)This month starts as qui-etly as thick, lacy snow fal-ling in a beautiful remote forest setting. The first part of February is a time to retreat. If you can go away to a natural setting and simply reflect on your life, and decide on what you’d like to make happen next, that would be ideal. If you can’t travel, then try to carve out time to yourself in a place you find com-forting, peaceful, and soothing. Screen out the troublesome, critical char-acters in your life, and sur-round yourself with the supportive types.

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HEALTHMedicine cabinet makeover tips for people with high blood pressure

(BPT) - If you’re among the 68 million Americans who have high blood pressure, you may feel that taking your medicine, getting plenty of exercise and eating a healthy diet means you’re doing eve-rything you can to manage your con-dition. But with cold season in full swing and many areas of the country recording record numbers of flu cases, it might be time for a medicine cabinet makeover as well - a total renovation in which you toss out any over-the-counter (OTC) medi-cations that contain decongestants.

That’s because the same ingredients in decongestants that help relieve the nasal swelling associated with congestion also affect other blood vessels in the body, causing blood pressure and heart rate to rise - a potentially dangerous situation for those with high blood pressure. Unfortunately, just 10 percent of those with high blood pressure are aware they should avoid decongestants, and nearly half don’t know they should take a special OTC medicine when they have a cold or the flu, according to a survey by St. Joseph, makers of over-the-counter medi-cations.

“The number of hypertensive people who don’t know to avoid decongestants is

shocking,” says Bernie Kropfelder of -St. Joseph Health Products, LLC. “Each year, 5 to 20 percent of Americans will catch the flu, so it’s important for people with high blood pressure to talk to their doctors or pharmacists about which OTC medicines to avoid.”

If you have high blood pressure, start your medicine cabinet makeover by replacing OTC medicines that contain decongestants with remedies that don’t, such as St. Joseph’s new line of cold and flu products. The brand’s products for fever and pain contain acetaminophen, which will not interfere with aspirin’s benefits if you’re on an aspirin regimen.

Next, remove from your medicine cabinet, pantry or refrigerator dietary supplements that are high in sodium, as high levels of salt are commonly known to increase blood pressure. For example, many protein supplements contain hun-dreds of milligrams of sodium per serving.

Likewise, avoid supplements that con-tain extracts of grapefruit, and talk to your doctor about whether you should also remove grapefruit and grapefruit juice from your diet. Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal points out that the number of medi-

cations that interact adversely with grape-fruit is on the rise. There are now more than 85 drugs known to be affected by grapefruit, including calcium channel blockers that are used to treat high blood pressure, according to a CBC News report.

Once you’ve removed adverse prod-ucts from your medicine cabinet, you’ll have plenty of room for addi-tions that are good for your heart, your high blood pressure and your overall health, including:

• Fish oil - Supplements like fish oil that contain omega 3 fatty acids offer a host of health benefits, and are known to be good for your heart. People with high blood pressure are at increased risk of heart disease, so adding heart-healthy supplements to their diets may be bene-ficial.

• Beet juice - OK, while this one should probably go in your refrigerator, adding beet juice to your diet may help your blood pressure control. Researchers at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia have found that within hours of drinking beet juice, study subjects had lowered systolic blood pres-

sure by an average of four to five points, WebMD reports.

• Sesame and rice bran oil - WebMD also reports that a recent study showed taking 35 grams of a sesame/rice bran oil blend daily can help lower blood pressure.

Finally, add some relaxation time to your “mental medicine cabinet.” Stress can elevate blood pressure, so engaging in activities that help reduce stress can aid in your efforts to control your blood pres-sure. While it’s not always possible to avoid stressful situations, you can counter the effects of daily stress with activities like meditation, yoga, listening to relaxing music or even just spending time with a beloved pet.

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(BPT) - The prevalence of diabetes con-tinues to increase significantly, and is expected to affect 53.1 million Americans by 2025, an increase of 64 percent from 2010. One of the most common compli-cations of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a form of nerve dam-age. More than one in five people with diabetes experiences painful DPN, also known as diabetic nerve pain, as a direct result of this nerve damage. But despite its prevalence, there are many people who go untreated and do not realize the pain they are feeling is related to their diabetes.

Dorothy is one of the millions of Americans who has diabetic nerve pain. Dorothy was a nurse in the obstetrics and gynecology department of her local hos-pital for more than 30 years, but her dia-betic nerve pain made it difficult for her to continue working with patients. “I had so much pain that I had to get off my feet and moved into a desk role instead of regularly seeing patients, which was a tough sacrifice to make,” she says. “Driving also became difficult for me since the diabetic nerve pain made my feet numb and I couldn’t feel the accel-erator. Now, I have hand controls in my car, which enables me to drive and have some independence.”

Diabetic nerve pain can include the following common symptoms: burning or shooting pain, pins and needles, stabbing or jabbing pain, painful tingling, numb-ness or insensitivity to pain or tempera-ture, and extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touch. These symptoms may go unmentioned during a doctor visit since many people are unaware of the connec-tion of this pain to their diabetes.

For most people like Dorothy, diabetic nerve pain affects the feet, and is some-times referred to as a sock pattern, as symptoms may be felt at the tips of the toes and then move along through the

Why you shouldn’t let diabetic nerve pain go untreated

feet. It can also progress to other extremi-ties, including people’s fingers and hands. “At first, my feet just felt numb. I had a burning and tingling sensation that pro-gressed to a horrible, stabbing pain. It got so bad I felt like I was walking on glass and I couldn’t even stand to have sheets over my feet at night,” Dorothy says.

Even as someone who worked in the medical profession for so many years, Dorothy did not realize that the pain she was feeling was different from other types of pain, such as a muscle ache or sprained ankle. She assumed her pain was a result of her working on her feet on a daily basis for so many years. It wasn’t until eight years later, after cycling through a num-ber of doctors, that Dorothy received the correct diagnosis of diabetic nerve pain. “After talking to my doctor, I found a treatment that’s helped me manage my diabetic nerve pain,” says Dorothy.

The pain Dorothy felt may be similar to the experiences of many other Americans who also have diabetic nerve pain. According to results from an online survey of people living with Type I and II diabetes who experienced symptoms of diabetic nerve pain and characterized their pain as seven or higher on a scale of zero to 10, their pain is frequent and intense. Of those, 67 percent reported experiencing symptoms most or all of the time and nearly half said their symptoms were always painful.

Nerve damage due to diabetes is not reversible, but it is important for people to know there are management plans available for diabetic nerve pain. If you think you might have diabetic nerve pain, now’s the time to schedule an appoint-ment with your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows that your pain is the reason for your visit. For more information about diabetic nerve pain, visit www.DiabetesPainHelp.com.

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Money advice for expectant and new parents(BPT) - Have you ever heard the saying

that “babies don’t come with owner’s manuals”? It’s true that no matter how many books you read, classes you take, or experienced parents you talk to, you can never be completely prepared for the challenges and joys of parenthood. You can, however, prepare yourself for the costs of a new baby - by looking after your finances before your bundle arrives.

New parents don’t always prepare for the expenses associated with having a baby. One survey by Redbook Magazine and VISA found that less than 50 percent of expectant parents create a new budget that includes baby expenses. And while 76 percent of parents-to-be felt finan-cially prepared for a baby, after the tyke arrived, 41 percent of new parents said they weren’t as prepared as they had thought.

Taking steps like clipping coupons and buying secondhand clothes can help new parents save cash, but other important financial considerations - such as pro-tecting their credit scores - require advanced planning. Here are some tips to help expectant and new parents to look after their finances:

Before the baby arrives• Review your health insurance and

what it covers. The full costs of pre-natal care, maternal care and delivery are not always covered by all insurance plans. As soon as you know you are pregnant - or when you make the decision to conceive - contact your insurer and ask for a detailed explanation of benefits. The Redbook survey found that unexpected hospital costs - things that couples thought their insurance would cover - cost one in four new parents more than $2,000 from their own pockets. Knowing what’s covered, and what’s not, can help you determine how much cash to set aside for hospital expenses.

• Review your credit. One way or another, you will be spending money - a lot of it - when the new baby arrives. Whether you need to tap credit to buy nursery furniture or need a good credit score so you can get a better auto policy that costs less, it’s important to under-stand this aspect of your financial well-being. Enrolling in a product such as freecreditscore.com can help you under-stand your credit score and status, which can help you make informed decisions

about how you will use credit during this potentially financially challenging time.

• Create a spending plan. Your overall spending plan should not only include a budget for day-to-day costs like diapers, but a long-term plan for larger expenses such as nursery furniture, day care, and college savings. It’s important to estimate not only how much you’ll spend but when you’ll spend it, too. For example, your short-term budget may include the cost of a crib - an item you will need immediately - but you may be able to postpone other furniture purchases like a dresser or changing table.When you’re new parents

• Buy wisely and frugally. From clip-ping coupons to buying off-brand names or purchasing from second-hand stores, it’s possible to equip your baby with eve-rything he or she needs at a fraction of the cost of buying brand new, brand-name retail products. It’s normal to feel pressured to buy new, top-of-the-line lux-ury items for your baby, but used items and off-brand products can be just as good. Check out online ratings for a used item’s durability before you buy it, and see what other consumers have to say

about cheaper brands of diapers, baby wipes and clothing.

• Continue to keep an eye on your credit; it’s a key element of your financial health. Good credit directly affects your ability to buy that bigger house you need as Junior starts to grow, get an auto loan for a minivan, or secure a new job in some cases. The Internet can help. For example, freecreditscore.com offers a Score Planner that lets members and nonmembers see for free how their finan-cial behaviors can affect their credit scores.

While nothing can really prepare you for the agony of sleepless nights with a newborn or the joys of seeing your baby take his or her first steps, it is possible to prepare for the financial responsibilities associated with becoming a parent.

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APARTMENT FOR SALE

(BPT) - Did you know spring is the best time to sell your home? And now that the housing market is bouncing back, there’s never been a better time to do it. But even if you’re planning to stay put for the long haul, chances are there are some much-needed touch-ups you could be doing to keep your home in tip-top shape. And you don’t have to break your back, or the bank, to do it. In fact, add-ing a new coat of paint is a

Moving or improving? Tips for a flawless painting projectquick, affordable, and pos-sibly the most impactful, way to get your project done.Prep, prime and primp

Misusing color can be a surefire way to turn people off from your home. For a more inviting look that nearly everyone can enjoy, opt for neutral paint col-ors. A subtle beige, slight grey or even white can do the trick.

First, move furniture out of the room and place drop cloths to protect the floor. Remove any picture frames, outlet covers and wall decor. Then, gently scrub the walls with a mild detergent and water mix-ture using a soft sponge to remove any dirt, grime or lint. Don’t forget to prime your walls before applying color to ensure the best end-results.Paint like a pro

For an ultra-smooth finish, try Purdy’s line of Ultra Finish roller covers. These premium microfiber roller covers, available in 9-inch lengths and varying nap thickness, provide an

even release of paint and deliver a consistent appli-cation from start to finish. Plus, they work great with any kind of paint and fin-ish, including satin, semi-gloss and gloss, taking the guesswork out of the DIY equation.

When applying paint, start at the top and work your way down. For supe-rior results, you’ll want to fill the well of your roller tray with paint, dip the roller in half-way and then roll it back onto the tray’s angled platform to easily remove excess paint. This will reduce dripping and improve overall paint cover. The best approach for applying paint? Use your roller cover to make an overlapping “W” pat-tern in a 2-foot by 2-foot area; then fill in and repeat.

For smaller interior paint projects or tight spaces, Purdy also has a variety of innovative mini roller choices that are ver-satile, lightweight and can quickly and easily deliver a perfect finish with smooth

rolling action. These com-bined features make them the ideal applicator for a variety of projects like painting doors and cabi-nets, to freshening up tables, chairs and even bedroom furniture.Keeping your color conviction

If you’re still feeling deprived of color after your painting project is complete, never fret. There are several ways to add a pop of color throughout your home without slath-ering the walls with offen-sive paint colors. Try incor-porating fun accent pieces

in your favorite colors - think lamps, frames, pil-lows and rugs. You can even include larger focal pieces like royal blue arm-chairs or a patterned couch to make a bolder statement. By keeping the overall aesthetics of your home neutral and inviting, and enhancing them with a few sight-provoking embellishments, house guests will be asking you for home decorating tips. And if your end goal is to get your home sold, con-sider these minor improvements a step in the right direction.

Kitchen updates that won’t break the bank(BPT) - Take a look around your home and think about

which spaces you use most. If the kitchen made the list, you’re not alone. For most homeowners, the kitchen is the heart of their home, and all the time spent there likely causes a fair amount of wear and tear. If this sounds like your kitchen, it might be time for a remodel.

While the National Association of Home Builders finds that home remodeling is at its highest level since 2005, homeowners are still being understandably cautious with their investments. The good news is that no matter the size of your budget, there are cost-effective ways to update your kitchen to revitalize the center of your home.1. Yes, you can update your cabinets

The most dramatic change you can make in your kitchen is to update the cabinetry. But for many, the thought of new cabinetry equates to a budget breaker. According to Sarah Reep, design lead for QualityCabinets, it certainly doesn’t have to be. “The key is to do your homework and find a brand that offers the trifecta of style, function and affordability,” says Reep.-

To keep pace with consumer requests and spending, QualityCabinets recently expanded its budget-friendly Woodstar line to include additional in-demand finish

options, door styles and accessible design features. “Homeowners want to stay on budget without compromising on style or function. We designed this line so they don’t have to,” says Reep.2. Set the stage with a beautiful backsplash

Another affordable way to make a statement is by updating or adding a backsplash. “A backsplash is a subtle way to update your kitchen. Choose clean white subway tiles or add some drama with interesting patterns or colorful glass tiles,” advises Reep. Home improvement stores like Lowe’s or The Home Depot carry DIY tile kits in a variety of colors that are fairly simple to install yourself. Additionally, stylish, removable tile decals can help jazz up your walls quickly without the cost and commitment of tile.3. Everything but the kitchen sink

Not quite. The sink is one of the most frequently used features in a kitchen but easily ignored. Updating your kitchen sink to serve as a focal point of the room can do wonders for your space. A beautiful apron-front sink or sleek new faucet can create a dramatic update to your kitchen and provide that attention-grabbing “wow” factor. Pair it with a new coat of paint or light fixtures that complement your design vision and you’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

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Buy/Sell/Splurge at the International Jewelers ExchangeReap the Benefits of Doing Your Homework

Before Selling Your Unwanted Gold

Three convenient locations:Boca Raton: 8221 Glades Road, one block west of the Turnpike.

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www.Intljewelers.com

A dainty cameo your grandmother passed down; an engagement ring from a former suitor; one ear-ring missing its mate or a charm bracelet from Prince Charming who no longer makes your heart go pitter patter…These are just a few examples of pieces of jewelry that end up on the counters of jewelry buy-ing establishments where sentiments are sold by the weight, and many sellers are sold down the river. Selling your goods is a tricky business that is grow-ing in popularity as people are looking for ways to come up with extra cash in these turbulent eco-nomic times.

Where can you go to find reputable buyers for your jewelry? How do you actually know what your valuables are worth? It really doesn’t matter to you if you walk away with much needed cash for unwanted or outdated jewelry that sat collecting dust in your jewelry box, right? How do you actually know that you are getting a good deal when almost every buyer’s sign promises “highest prices paid?”

First and foremost, it’s important to know what you have before selling it. The value of the gold item is determined by the purity. Is your piece made of 10kt., 14kt., or 18kt.? Items that are 10kt. are .417 pure; 14kt. is .585 pure; and 18kt. is .750 pure.

You also need to know the weight of the item. This measurement is typically figured in pen-nyweights, (dwts) or grams, (grm).

Depending upon the quantity of jewelry you are selling, a fair profit margin for the dealer would be 10-20% below the melt value price. What you choose to take for your goods is totally up to you.

I set out to five local gold buying establishments to compare the purchase price I could collect by sell-ing a 14kt. gold men’s bracelet, an 18kt. gold ladies antique watch, and a men’s 10 kt. gold class ring. A trusted friend who is an estate buyer provided me with the weights for each piece, and the price I should expect to receive, give or take a few dollars. What I found was that there was a big discrepancy between most every dealer as their fingers did the walking across their calculators!

Based upon the current gold prices I was given by my original source, the “melt price” for the three items was $1863.

The second buyer I approached was the next best thing, with a total cash offer of $1590. He was friendly, quickly weighed each piece and offered his price without question or pressure. “Come back if you are interested,“ he smiled as he handed me his card.

A well known and advertised gold buying opera-tion in the mall offered me the lowest prices of the five places I visited; $1100 for everything! He was a well dressed businessman with a jeweler’s loop who explained that the price depends upon the Asian market. If I was interested, I should act quickly, as prices fluctuate daily, he warned. I thanked him as I collected my belongings and set out for a few more quotes.

A nearby jeweler in business for over 35 years asked me what I wanted for my little treasure trove before even examining the pieces or weighing them. I told him I wanted a fair price. He disassembled the watch with my permission, to get an accurate gold weight without including the watch mechanisms. He methodically listed the gold in ascending order on a piece of paper for a total of $1254. He suggested that I sell the pieces to him immediately, or if I prefer to shop around, I should visit the mall operation (the one I just left,) as it usually gives patrons a fair price. Interestingly, these last two merchants, though widely known and respected, provided the lowest offers I received today.

The rest of the buyers offered between $1100 and $1550 total for all three items.

When you bring your pot of gold and diamonds to the International Jewelers Exchange, you can make a day out of investigating what your collection is worth, through the discerning eyes of trained gemologists and jewelry professionals. These mer-chants are ready, willing and able to pay top dollar in cash or assist you in putting your “found money” towards another irresistible piece you would enjoy.

The beauty of dealing within the International Jewelers Exchange is that for over 30 years they have been serving South Florida with an impeccable repu-tation for value and integrity. Each and every mer-chant has something different to offer, and all that glitters is under one roof, in a safe and secure envi-ronment where your every jewelry whim and fantasy

come to life before your eyes. While you will still surely receive a variety of offers

for your unwanted jewelry, the fact that there are so many jewelers in one convenient location makes their offers as close to the full value price as possible. You can spend the day with cash in your hands deciding, as you peruse the aisles, booth by glorious booth.

From selling your jewelry to buying that new tro-phy timepiece or antique piece that you’ve saved a lifetime for, you’ve come to the right place when you walk through their doors.

Sell with confidence, buy with pleasure. It’s a win/win situation every time at the International Jewelers Exchange.

By Margie Kaye