the best years

The Best YearsStories for seniors

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FROM NAPA VALLEY PUBLISHING | JULY 30, 2015

2 — best years Thursday, July 30, 2015

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Retirement different for men, womenBPT

What’s retirement like? The answer may depend upon whether you’re a man or a woman.

Women report more positive experiences in retirement than men, yet also say they are more likely to experience negative emo-tions, especially stress, according to a study conducted by Mass-Mutual. The study’s findings have implications for

retirement planning, both finan-cially and emotionally.

“Women often experience high levels of stress before retirement as they juggle both professional and family respon-sibilities,” says Elaine Sarsynski,

executive vice

president of MassMutual Retire-ment Services. “We are learning that the stress women feel often carries over into retirement, but we’re also hearing that women often make more of their retire-ment opportunities and experi-ences than men.”

The study surveyed 905 retir-ees within 15 years after retire-ment and 912 pre-retirees within 15 years before retirement. The

responses for both groups were evenly split between men and women and respondents had a minimum of $50,000 in retire-ment savings.

One in five women (20 percent) is at least moderately

stressed in retire-ment compared to 15 percent of men,

the study finds. Women also are more likely to feel

frustrated, sad,

lonely and nervous.Before retirement, women are

much more likely than men to report being stressed. The study finds that 49 percent of women pre-retirees say they are at least moderately stressed compared to 38 percent of men pre-retirees.

Though whether you are a man or a woman, saving for retirement contributes to posi-tive emotions and experiences in retirement. Those who have a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan were more likely to report experiencing positive emotions as compared to those who did not. Of the retirement plan participants, 74 percent say they are “extremely” or “quite a bit” happy compared to 68 per-cent who did not participate in a retirement plan and 70 percent of retirement plan participants say they are “extremely” or “quite a bit” relaxed compared to 61 percent who did not have a plan.

Welcome to the best years 2015, in which we offer stories of interest to older residents

of the Napa Valley.

Men, women and retirement .......Disability insurance: what you need to know ................Page 3boost your brain health ...............Page 4be sun smart ...............................Page 5ballroom dancing ........................Page 6Nutrition is important ..................Page 7social security strategy ...............Page 8safe spaces for seniors ................Page 9Help with long-term care ........... Page 10reverse mortgage facts ..............Page 11Protect your savings ................. Page 12Health vs. Wealth ....................... Page 13Can the Va help me? .................. Page 14tips for happy 100 ..................... Page 16Know the signs of shingles .........Page 17staying cool in summer heat ..... Page 18Celebrate life ............................. Page 19

Thursday, July 30, 2015 BEST YEARS — 3

Vallerga’s Market can deliver anythingyou want in our market —groceries,

produce, seafood, meat, wine, beer andspirits— right to your front door

Our delivery service is perfect if you are toobusy with family and events, or justneed to use your energy for other

things. You can call in or email yourlist, which is given to one of our

customer shoppers, who triple checks the listbefore delivery. She will even call you from theaisle on her cell phone if there is a question.Shopping and delivery days are Monday,

Wednesday, Friday and the cost for shoppingand delivery is only $15. Delivery times are

normally 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., but we are happy towork around any appointments you have.

Call us at 253-2620 to set upyour first delivery todayIn Redwood Plaza • Corner of Solano Ave. and Redwood Rd.In Redwood Plaza • Corner of Solano Ave. and Redwood Rd.

ries?

Too busyto stop andsmell the groceries?

Too busyto stop andsmell the groce

BPT

Few people expect to become disabled and unable to work, even though 2013 Social Security Administration statistics show a 20-year old worker has a 30 percent chance of becoming dis-

abled at some point during his career. The truth is, life can throw unexpected curves your way, and expecting the best while preparing for the worst is still good advice when it comes to financial matters.

According to a 2014 study by the Council for Disability Awareness, 57 percent of working adults report having no private disability insurance. When you dig a little deeper, you find that most people are not opposed to disability

insurance, they just lack basic knowledge about this valuable financial plan-ning tool.

“Today is the best time to consider how to help protect your financial security in the event you’re not able to work,” said Jake

Biscoglio, vice president, disability, Prudential Group Insurance. “People often underestimate the chance of becoming disabled during their working years. When it comes to disability insur-ance, you have to plan for the unexpected.”

Disability insurances protects against one of the most common risks to your financial livelihood: loss of income. If you are unable to work and your income has been reduced or eliminated, your living expenses remain the same, creating a conflict that can quickly become a crises. The purpose of disability insurance is to keep you and your family financially afloat in such a situation.

When considering dis-ability insurance, there are a few things to keep in mind:

* Workplace plans are often the most cost effec-tive. Start by asking your employer what plans are offered.

* Educate yourself. Online tools and resources make it easy to familiarize yourself with the benefits of disability insurance.

* Consider private or individual disability insur-ance to supplement any workplace coverage you may have. Increased cover-age equals greater peace of mind.

Another thing to

remember is that disability insurance is very different from workers compensa-tion; only disability insur-ance provides comprehen-sive coverage for illness and injuries, whether they occur in or outside the workplace.

The thought of becoming disabled is unpleasant, but purchasing disability insur-ance is a positive decision that will help protect your income and your family’s financial future, should the unthinkable occur. When considering changes in your insurance coverage, it’s always a good idea to consult with a financial professional. Seeking advice from a qualified expert will help you select the plan and coverage amount that is best for you.

For more information on financial wellness and the role disability insurance plays in a comprehensive financial wellness strategy, visit prudential.com/dis-abilityinsurance.

Disability insurance: why what you don’t know can hurt you

Olivier Le Moal | Dreamstime.com

4 — BEST YEARS Thursday, July 30, 2015

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BPT

When you think about health and wellness, what first comes to mind? Most likely it’s along the lines of fitness, healthy eating and doctor’s appointments. But have you ever considered the importance of brain health as you age?

According to the National Institute on Aging, research shows that a complex interaction between your DNA, diet, phys-ical activity level, sleep quality and every other aspect of your environment affects your brain health and cognitive function. This means that your bad habits can trig-ger changes in your brain and contribute to the decline of your brain health.

Stay sharp as you age with these easy ways to boost your brain power:

*Eat brain food. While a good diet can improve your all-around health, certain foods keep your brain functioning opti-mally, according to the Alzheimer’s Asso-ciation. Some of these top “brain foods”

include wild salmon, nuts and seeds, avocados, blueberries, dark chocolate and whole grains. Your brain loves both omega-3 essential fatty acids and any-thing with antioxidants.

*Exercise your brain. Your body isn’t the only thing that needs exercise. Puzzles, brain teasers and games help create new associations within your brain to keep it fresh. As an added exercise, try completing everyday activities with your non-dominant hand, such as combing your hair and brushing your teeth.

*Continue to learn. The learning shouldn’t stop once you leave school. Continue to try new activities and test your brain by reading, taking classes or learning a language. Keep your brain active by teaching it some new tricks.

*Take a well-rounded supplement. Your brain also requires a number of vita-mins and minerals to function properly. For example, the three B vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) are all related to healthy

brain function. Be sure you are getting enough of these essential vitamins and consider taking a supplement to boost your brain power even further. The ingre-dients in Procera AVH promote blood and oxygen flow to the brain, support key

neurotransmitters and provide neuropro-tection. This helps support brain health and cognitive function. Maintaining brain health contributes to a well-balanced mind, body and spirit for an all-around healthier and more active lifestyle.

Six ways to boost your brain health


Short term stays can be custom made to your family’s needs.Please call the Áegis nearest you and learn how we can help you

take the break you need.

RCFE # 415600314

AKiss is Still A Kiss…Time has gone by and Mom and Dad are still sweet on each other after 60years. Last year they moved in with my family - too many stairs in their home.We all happily gave up our prime spots on the sofa so they could cuddlenightly, watch the news, and smooch goodnight.

It’s a blessing to have them with us, but for me, it’s also like adding two morekid’s worth of work.

If you are caring for aging parents full or part time, you deserve a break.

Go ahead and plan that get-away, it’s important to reconnect with your spouseand kids – slow down, breathe. Peace of mind is possible, just call Áegis Living.

Áegis Living is the trusted senior living company, known for the finest care, themost balanced and nutritious cuisine, all in loving and beautiful environmentswhere seniors enjoy planned activities and socializing all day long.

Áegis of Napa2100 Redwood Rd.Napa, CA 94558707-266-6868AegisofNapa.com

ROBERT NATIONS

The summer brings with it picnics, trips to the beach, the park, and a long list of summer fun. The summer sun is meant to be enjoyed but it can be a dangerous threat especially for senior citizens.

Times have changed when it comes to people’s thinking about the sun. That deep, dark tan is no longer viewed as a good thing. Plus, there are plenty of mis-conceptions about the summer sun. So taking the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we compiled this list of sun safety myths and senior sun safety tips.

Sun Myth #1: Seniors need constant sun to supply vitamin D.

Seniors only need about 15 minutes or less of sun exposure two to three times a week on their faces and hands for their bod-ies to produce an adequate supply of Vita-min D. Vitamin D can also be found in foods and in multivitamins. Seniors should always wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothing that cover their skin when they are in the sun.

Sun Myth #2: Seniors only need to apply sunscreen once a day

Sunscreen needs time to work. Seniors should apply it about an hour before going out into the sun and reapply about every two hours. They should reapply more frequently if they are swimming. They should use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause tanning and wrinkling while UVB rays cause sunburn, aging, wrinkling and skin cancer. Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15. Use SPF 30 or higher if you have a history of skin cancer or have fair skin. The risk for cancer increases as you get older. Seniors should

especially pay attention to moles and other skin abnormalities.

Sun Myth #3: Seniors only need sun-screen at the pool or beach

Seniors should wear sunscreen every-where if they go outside longer than 15 minutes. Seniors need to exercise, but to avoid too much sun they can walk in malls, casinos, or museums.

Sun Myth #4: The sun isn’t a prob-lem on cloudy days.

The sun doesn’t feel as hot when it’s cloudy but the UVA and UVB rays that tan and burn your skin are still shining down and being absorbed. Seniors’ skin is more sensitive. The sun’s rays are more intense in the summer so even on a cloudy day seniors should still wear sunscreen and sun protection.

Sun Myth #5: There’s nothing seniors can do if they get sunburn

The bad news is that’s partially true. The CDC recommends aspirin, acetamino-phen or ibuprofen to relieve pain, headache and fever. When seniors are exposed to too much sun they’re at severe risk for dehydration. They should drink six to eight glasses of water a day and eat fresh fruits and vegetables. They can also take a cool bath and use an aloe cream to moistur-ize skin.

Sun Myth #6: Sunburn is the only sun problem seniors should worry about

The sun can also hurt your eyes. The UV rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer around the eyes. Seniors should always wear sunglasses. Choose brown, gray or green lenses and the darker and larger the lens the better. Seniors should choose glasses that wrap around their eyes and block a high percentage of UV rays.

Be sun smart© Monika Wisniewska | Dreamstime.com


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On July 7, 2015, Napa Mayor Jill Techel officially proclaimed July as Ballroom Dance for Senior Fitness Awareness Month at a gala event held at the Lincoln Theater. The event was to launch fund drive for the production of a motivational short film titled, “Take Me Out to the Ballroom.” The film is to be produced by Veteran Stone, Inc.

The following day, July 8, Yountville Mayor John Dunbar presented a similar proclamation at the Veterans Home Allied Council meeting.

Ballroom dancing is the best leisure activity that protects seniors against dementia. Based on the study from Albert Einstein Academy, published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003, fre-quent ballroom dancers had lowered the risk of dementia by 76 percent compared to those who did not dance at all. The second best activity was doing crossword puzzles which only offered 47 percent risk reduction.

According to data from the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 out of 10 men will develop dementia compared to 1 out of 6 for

women. In 2015, 5.3 million Americans will suffer some form of dementia, and $226 Billion will be spent for caring. Based on the fact that risk reduction for frequent ballroom dancers is 76 percent, ballroom dancing could lower the number of

dementia patients by as many as 4 million, with savings in the billions of dollars.

Ballroom dancing helps the brain func-tion, balance, posture, heart health AND it helps reduce depression.

Veteran Stone, Inc. is joining forces

with Napa Ballroom Dancers, Tuesday Night Dancers, Veterans Home Sunday Dance, KVET closed circuit TV and Napa Public Access TV to raise awareness of the mental and physical benefits of ballroom dancing for seniors.

Ballroom dancing is also a great way to make friends. Since it can be so much fun, it’s sustainable. Despite all these benefits, a vast majority of seniors do not dance. That is why funding this motivational video is so necessary.

Our model is simple: Let the organizers keep hosting the dances, the government helps fund the program, and we motivate the seniors to come dancing by producing motivational films.

Ballroom dancing is not only an exer-cise, it’s also an entertainment and a social ritual. We want healthier seniors, and more important, we want happier seniors. Let’s Dance Against Dementia! Let’s Dance Away Depression! Let’s Dance for Fun!

See the proclamation of Ballroom Dance for Senior Fitness presented by Napa Mayor Jill Techel: youtube.com/watch?v=KtxY0PP8vsw.

Ballroom dancing benefits seniors


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ROBERT NATIONS

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that in 20 years, 21 percent of our population will be 65 years of age and older. The num-ber of older adults will then exceed the number of children

in America!

Good nutrition is more of a concern than ever before. The more we learn about aging and the importance of nutrition, the more we realize how a nutritious diet and regular exercise can help ensure the best quality of life long into our golden years. As we age, our metabolism slows and our digestive sys-tem changes. Illnesses, medications, loneli-ness and depression can alter our appetites. Decreasing physical activity levels can lead to weight gain which may cause numerous ailments. In order to remain energetic and active, we need to learn what older bodies need to function at their best.

Seniors have different nutritional requirements. Senior need high qual-ity carbohydrates to fuel our energy and soluble and insoluble fiber to maintain proper digestion. Good sources include whole grains like brown rice, oats, whole wheat, rye and barley. These, plus plenty of vitamin-, mineral-, and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies like apples, oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, carrots and yams should make up the bulk

of our diet. To keep bones and teeth strong, look to skim or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses. We also require adequate protein to maintain muscle mass and feed cognitive function, and a reduction in saturated fat calories for heart health and to avoid excess weight gain. Reducing red meat consump-tion in favor of leaner protein choices like tofu, beans, skinless poultry and fish is recommended. Eggs and nuts eaten in moderation provide healthier fat sources. Cooking oils should be low or unsaturated fat varieties such as olive, canola and sun-flower. Unlike saturated fats, these oils will remain fluid if refrigerated.

“You are what you eat.” Through-out our lives, our bodies are constantly undergoing changes. Understanding how to feed these different stages of develop-ment can affect our ability to enjoy the years ahead, allowing us to preserve and share with others the wonderment we had as children, the creativity and involve-ment of our middle years, and the wisdom of our maturity.

Good nutrition is important for seniors

Lisa F. Young | Dreamstime.com


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A Government Regulated Reverse Mortgage could be right for you.Get the facts. I welcome the chance to help you learn aboutthe process and opportunities.

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You may be able to get more income from Social Security by looking at your options as a couple, rather than as two individ-uals. This “collect now and later” strategy can lock in a higher

survivor benefit, which can prove quite valuable for a long-lived spouse. Here’s how it works.

Benefit: When married, the “collect now and later” strategy allows you to col-lect a spousal benefit while accumulating delayed retirement credits on your own benefit amount (at the rate of 8 percent per year for every year you wait pass your FRA up to age 70).

Usually the higher earner of a couple would consider this so they could get the most possible at age 70. That higher age 70 benefit amount would then get locked in as a survivor benefit.

Works if: You have reached full retire-ment age (FRA) and your spouse has applied for benefits.

Why doesn’t it work if you have NOT reached FRA? If you apply for Social Security benefits before full retire-ment age, you automatically qualify for and are given the higher of: 1) a benefit based on your own earnings record, or 2) 50 percent of your spouse’s full retire-ment age benefit (then further reduced if you are claiming before your own full

retirement age). You cannot choose which to take.

If you wait until full retirement age to apply you have more choices. Once you reach full retirement age, you can apply for benefits and choose to begin collect-ing just a spousal benefit based on your spouse’s earnings record (or ex-spouse

if you were married for at least 10 years). Your own Social Security benefit will continue to accumulate delayed retire-ment credits until your age 70. When you reach age 70 you switch from tak-ing the spousal benefit to taking your own benefit.

In order to implement this strategy you will need to file a restricted application when you reach your full retirement age.

Example: Kara, age 66, is still work-ing. Her husband Bob is collecting Social Security retirement benefits. Kara applies for Social Security and chooses to receive her spousal benefit based on Bob’s earn-ings record. Kara continues to work until age 70. She collects her spousal benefit while working for the next four years; at age 70 she retires and switches to her own, now much larger, Social Security benefit. (Note: Kara does not have to continue to work to take advantage of this strategy)

Note: Even if Kara is not still work-ing, this strategy may result in a greater amount of total benefits over her and Bob’s lifetime.

Best approach: Go to www.the-future-is-yours.com and request a FREE Social Security Report to see what claim-ing strategy might work best for you.

Social Security StrategyCollect A Spousal

Benefit Now, Your Own Benefit Later

Lane Erickson | Dreamstime.com


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Certain furniture or design elements in your home that made sense before may no longer be practical. Fortunately, experts share there are many options available to address common aging factors, including increased risk of falling or declining vision. It starts by getting a little creative and designing a living environment that pro-motes continued independence, with form and function

Andrea Owensby, senior director of Design for Sunrise Senior Living, explains, “Ensuring your aging loved one’s safety can seem overwhelming at times, but there are a lot of simple changes you can make to help prevent accidents and improve quality of life so that seniors feel more at ease in their homes.”

Andrea and her team suggest these tips:1. Finesse the furniture: Create an

open living space with larger pathways between furniture, which allows walkers or wheelchairs to easily maneuver the space. Strategically place larger pieces of furniture so they can be used for balance while mov-ing throughout the room.

2. Think lightweight and sturdy:Furniture should be light enough to easily be moved, but also needs to be heavy enough that it won’t slip out from under someone when they’re sitting down or standing up. Having arms on chairs, for example, assists with balance.

3. Take into account shapes: Having round furniture keeps the layout open and protects your loved one from bumping into sharp corners. Switch out round knobs for pulls and levers, which can greatly help those experiencing arthritis.

4. Create an accessible space: Place frequently used items in accessible cabinets and drawers. Keeping items at waist-height eliminates the need to reach high or bend down. This helps to reduce the risk of falls, while promoting independence by encour-aging seniors to do things on their own. Also, putting lamps, microwaves and tele-phones at arms-length eliminates the need to reach and potentially lose balance.

5. Hide your cords: Taping down or tucking away cords eliminates the potential for tripping. The easiest way to do this is to place cords behind and under furniture or along the edges of a room. Visit your local office supply store, which likely offers cable management products.

6. Avoid scattered rugs: Although decorative, area rugs can be a tripping haz-ard and increase the risk of falls for seniors. Be sure when they are used you purchase rugs that are non-slip and a contrast color to the floor below so they are easier to detect by aging eyes.

7. Make it practical: When choos-ing chairs and couches for a home, style is important but most critical is that the pieces are well-designed and purposeful. Having furniture that is too low, deep, or stiff can make it difficult to get on and off.

8. Leverage lighting options: Using lighting at the right levels for a task can make all the difference. Motion-sensor lights—especially between the bedroom and bathroom—make for easier naviga-tion. Not only is this helping to create a safe environment, you’re also being energy conscious! Ensure task areas are well lit to reduce strain on the eyes, and incorporate

natural light as much as possible.Finally, a safely decorated home

doesn’t have to sacrifice style or personal touches. Consider recreating the look of a previous home with fewer pieces, or add a common color scheme in a room to

add flow and make the space feel larger. Incorporate accessories that are func-tional, such as colorful trays or boxes, to conveniently store your favorite items. Top off the room with photos to evoke special memories.

Simple tips to designing safe living spacesBPT

The saying goes, “With age comes wisdom,” but oftentimes, it also comes with a new set of physical challenges, such as limited mobility

and difficulties with hearing and seeing. That’s why when designing living spaces for seniors, whether in an assisted living community or in your life-long home, safety and comfort take a front seat.


If you live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, or know someone who does, there may be times when you need help solving problems or address-ing concerns.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is ready and willing to assist you.

Staff and volunteers work with resi-dents and their families to resolve com-plaints or provide information and other assistance, including placement.

The Ombudsman Program has existed since 1975 with programs in all 50 states. The Older Americans Act and the Older Californians Act authorize Ombudsmen to advocate for and protect residents in long-term care facilities, which include skilled nursing homes and residential care facilities such as assisted living and board and care homes. The mission of the program is to advocate for the dignity, quality-of-life and quality-of-care for all residents in facilities.

Problems commonly encountered include provision of proper diets, inad-equate personal care or care planning, improper administration of medications,

violation of residents’ rights and various forms of abuse.

Ombudsmen receive, investigate and resolve complaints, including complaints of elder and dependent adult abuse made by, or on behalf of, individual residents in long-term care facilities. Complaints may be made to the local program at 255- 4236 or to the State Hotline number at 800-231-4024. Ombudsmen also demonstrate

a proactive approach, ensuring a pres-ence in facilities by making frequent and consistent visits — once a week to skilled nursing and once a month to residential care facilities. Ombudsmen identify con-cerns, address issues, and form relation-ships. They help with resident and family councils and witness Advance Directives. All services are free and confidential.

Ombudsmen monitor poor and best practices in facilities, reporting violations of regulation or law to the appropriate licens-ing authorities or to law enforcement. They work with the State Department of Public Health, the State Department of Social Services’ Community Care Licensing, the State Attorney-General, the local district attorney and local law enforcement.

Ombudsmen are involved with local community collaborations in trying to educate other agencies and the public about the services they provide and about the rights of the residents for whom they advocate.

Napa is lucky to have very active senior advocates, including the members of the Board of Supervisors’ Commission on Aging, the District Attorney’s Elder

Abuse Prevention Council, the local Alli-ance on Aging, the Area Agency on Aging Serving Napa-Solano, and the Healthy Aging Population Initiative (HAPI) made up of many local nonprofitagencies serv-ing seniors.

The Ombudsman Program advocates for residents at the local and state levels and tracks and comments on proposed changes in laws, regulations, and policies at the federal level. The Ombudsmen’s experience in long-term care facilities has shown that when residents and families understand the system, they are able to effectively act on their own behalf when problems occur.

Ombudsmen encourage access to advocacy by letting residents know what kind of care they should expect and by providing a mechanism to file a complaint.

If you are interested in learning more about the Ombudsman Program, or would like to become a volunteer, contact the local Program Coordinator, Eliza-beth Mautner, at 255-4236. The office is located at 1443 Main St., Suite 125 D, in Napa.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman offers helping hand

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Serving theNapa Valley for 32 Years

Advanced InstrumentsHearing Aid Center

Geoffrey CalkinsLicensed HearingAid Dispenser HA-2791BC-HIS *Board Certified by the National

Board of Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences

©2015The GN ReSound Group, all rights reserved.

Elizabeth Gilson707-330-8931

Licensed HearingAid Dispenser HA-7019

Formerly NapaValley HearingAid Center

Let Us Provide the Best Hearing Solution for You!Finally, a hearing aid

made for your world. WithReSound LiNX2™, you’llhear sound more naturally.You’ll connect directly tomusic, movies, televisionand more. You’ll never feela step behind, because

these hearing aids just putyou a step ahead.

Advanced Instruments Hearing Aid Center3353 Beard Road, Napa (across from Queen of the Valley)

707-257-3889 • New Clients Welcome

Chances are you’ve been dreaming about this moment throughout your working life! Being retired and having

the time and money to:

— Travel— Fix up the fam-

ily home— Indulge in hobbies

like gardening— Visit your grandchil-

dren— Spend weekends at

the cottage— Help your children

buy a home— Pay off debts— Help your grandchil-

dren with tuition fees— Not have to worry

about anything!But now that you’re

retired, you may have been caught off guard by the expenses associated with retirement, such as property taxes, unexpected medical bills, rising energy and utility expenses, and the overall cost of living which seems to get higher every year. Sure, you have your pension income, but it may not be enough to make ends meet.

If you’re like many seniors, most of your assets are tied up in your house. But accessing that equity can be difficult. Most banks won’t give you a mortgage because you don’t have enough income to make monthly payments.

So what are your options?

Well, you could down-size and sell your house. But isn’t that where you always dreamed you’d spend your retirement? Leaving the home where you raised your family, put down roots and made lifelong friends would be heart-breaking. Besides, selling and moving can be

very expensive once you’ve paid real estate fees, mov-ing expenses, legal fees, etc. There’s got to be a bet-ter solution!

You don’t have to leave the family home!

There IS a better solu-tion, and for many seniors it’s a reverse mortgage.

A REVERSE MORT-GAGE is a specialized financial product for peo-ple 62 and over who own their own home. It lets you stay in your home while benefiting from the value you’ve built up in that property over the years. Compared to a regular mortgage, a reverse mort-gage can offer substantial monthly cash savings, so you have all the income you need to live the retirement of your dreams.

Let’s see if you’re one of the vast majority of Ameri-can seniors who can benefit from a reverse mortgage. Here are the 7 facts you need to know:

FACT #1: Regular mortgages require you to pay a lender.

A reverse mortgage pays you!

If you and your spouse are 62 or older and you own your home as your principal residence, you may be eligible to receive an amount based on a HUD formula that factors in the age of the youngest home-owner, the interest rate and the appraised value of the home (generally, the more valuable your home is, the older you are, and the lower the interest rate, the more you can borrow).

No matter how much you receive, you never have to make monthly principal or interest payments (until you move), so you get the money you need without reducing your cash flow!

FACT #2: There are no income, asset, employment or credit requirements.

Since the amount you receive is secured against your home, qualifying is easy and hassle-free—even if you’re living on a very limited retirement income.

FACT #3: You can receive the money whichever way works best for your lifestyle.

With a reverse mort-gage, you can choose a single lump sum pay-ment, a regular monthly cash advance, a credit line account that lets you decide when and how much cash is paid to you, or a combination of any of these options.

FACT #4: A reverse mortgage can be used to clear up all your remaining debts.

Maybe you still have a small mortgage remain-ing on your house and the payments are cut-ting into your lifestyle. Maybe you have monthly credit card bills piling up. A reverse mortgage can be the ideal solution. In most cases, you can use the funds to eliminate mortgage payments and credit card debts, and still have enough left over so you can enjoy life more and not have to worry about money.

FACT #5: Your income taxes, Social Security and Medicare benefits are unaffected.

As a retired person, one of your major concerns is

how much you’ll be paying in taxes each year, since that can really affect your cash flow. Fortunately, the money you receive from a reverse mortgage isn’t considered income—even if it’s invested in an account or annuity with monthly withdrawals. This is because the home equity you’re accessing has already been taxed, since you purchased your home with after-tax dollars. Not only don’t you have to pay taxes on your reverse mort-gage proceeds, they won’t bump you up into the next tax bracket. And since they’re not considered income, they won’t affect your Social Security and Medicare benefits (in some states reverse mortgage

proceeds may impact Med-icaid eligibility).

FACT #6: It’s ALWAYS your home!

You’ll never be asked to move or sell your home to repay your reverse mort-gage, as long as you main-tain the property and stay up-to-date with property taxes, fire insurance and condominium or main-tenance fees. Your equity and estate is fully protected since the reverse mortgage amount can never exceed your home value. Sure, the equity in your home will decrease over the years as you receive pay-ments, but your home’s value will likely increase even more quickly over the same period.

FACT #7: The interest

on your reverse mort-gage can sometimes be tax deductible.

If you use the money you receive to make invest-ments in stocks or mutual funds, you may be able to write off the interest costs of your reverse mortgage at tax time. This can help offset the taxes you owe on any income you might have.

There you have it — seven compelling reasons why a reverse mortgage may be the right solu-tion for you! Not only will you have all the cash flow and security you need to accomplish your retirement dreams, you’ll continue to live in your own home and own it with much of the equity left intact!

Seven Facts About Reverse MortgagesThey can help you enjoy a comfortable, worry-free retirement!

YOUR GOLDENYEaRs...YOUR GOLDENYEaRs...

Live LikeYou Mean It!

We’re Napa’s Reverse Mortgage Experts!Let Custom Lending Group help you complete your dreams.

CalBRE lic.#966782/944064 NMLS lic.#298353/845079

Dreaming about a golden retirement?Let us help you turn your dreams into reality with a reverse mortgage.

Use the equity in your home without having to sell it!Can be used for home purchases too and doubles your buying power!

BENEFITS• NO repayment for as long as you occupy the home• NO taxes are paid on the cash!•You retain the title to your home•You may sell your home at any time• Use the cash for any purpose...medical bills, home upgrades, trips, payoff debt...etc.

• Social Security and Medicare benefits are NOT affected

www.customlending.net Ph. (707) 252-2700

Dale DiGennaroBroker/Owner

1700 Soscol Ave., Suite #22Napa, CA 94559

BPT

More than half of Americans are worried about running out of money when they retire, yet a staggering 80 percent don’t have the knowledge they need to successfully build a nest

egg and make it last throughout their retirement, according to The American College 2014 Retirement Income Survey. Yet by changing just five basic behaviors, Americans can improve their retirement-saving habits—and their likelihood of staying financially secure throughout retirement.

In the Retirement Income Literacy Survey of more than 1,000 people by The American College of Financial Services, 52 percent said they were at least moderately worried their savings wouldn’t

last through their retire-ment. They’re right to be concerned, says Jamie McInnes, senior vice presi-dent of total retirement solutions at Prudential Retirement.

“Retirees face many

challenges when trying to save enough money to last throughout their lifetime,” McInnes says. “What they might not realize is how common behaviors that all humans give into from time to time can have a

big impact on retirement readiness. By learning to recognize and avoid these behaviors, more American workers can successfully plan for their retire-ment years.”

Prudential’s research has identified some com-mon behaviors that keep people from saving, and what motivates people to plan for a secure retire-ment.

1. Underestimating life expectancy.

A study by the Society of Actuaries found that more than half of Ameri-cans underestimate how long they’ll live—and how long their savings will need to last. Better health care and increased life expec-tancy mean you may live 20 years, 30 or even longer as a retiree. This means it’s not only important to save for retirement, but to understand how to make your savings last through-out your lifetime.

2. Procrastinat-ing about retire-ment saving.

When you’re wrestling with everyday financial commitments, it can be tempting to put off saving for retirement. In fact, 53 percent of workers polled by the Employee Benefit

Research Institute cite

cost of living and day-to-day expenses as the top reasons why they don’t save for retirement. Yet starting early with just nominal monthly contri-butions can help build your nest egg. The sooner you begin saving, and the more you save, the more money your investments can earn toward your retirement.

3. Failing to expect—and prepare for—the worst.

Job loss, illness, accident, the death of a spouse—many things can impact your ability to save for retirement, and your income during your retirement years. While it is human nature to hope nothing bad will ever hap-pen, it’s important to be realistic when planning for retirement. Hope for the best, but plan for the unex-pected.

4. Giving in to the urge to follow others.

Human beings are very social; if you see other people doing something, you want to follow. But sometimes “following the pack” when it comes to making financial decisions can get you in trouble. Resist the temptation to “keep up with the Joneses.” Only buy what you can

afford. Staying on track for retirement often means resisting peer pressure.

5. Allowing “I want it now” thinking to impact retirement savings.

Human brains are hard-wired to live in the moment. An “I want it now” approach to spend-ing could lead you to have trouble putting money away for tomorrow. An occasional splurge may be OK, but don’t get yourself into a spot where you think you have to tap into your retirement savings to fund impulse purchases. Dip-ping into your retirement savings can be devastating to your long-term finan-cial goals.

“Putting money aside for retirement while you’re still working is vital, but it’s only part of the solution,” McInnes says. “By learning to recognize how common human behaviors may be sabotaging your retirement security, you stand a much better chance of sticking to a solid savings plan that can keep you financially secure throughout your retirement.”

For more information and advice on saving for retirement, visit Prepare-withpru.com, and bringy-ourchallenges.com, which illustrates the five common behaviors that can get in the way of successful retirement planning.

© Emiliezhang | Dreamstime.com

Five bad behaviors that may be derailing your retirement savings



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BPT

Whoever said, “If you have your health, you have everything,” must have been retired. That’s because retirees feel more financially secure when they’re in good health according to new research.

And when they feel financially secure, retirees also report they’re enjoying retirement more, they feel fulfilled and are less likely to experience negative emotions.

The study, Health, Wealth and Hap-piness in Retirement (www.massmutual.com/healthwealth) is part of a larger research project conducted on behalf of MassMutual by Greenwald & Associ-ates. The research split 905 retirees with at least $50,000 in assets into two subgroups: those who characterized their health as excellent or very good and those who characterized their health as good or poor.

“The message for both retirees and pre-retirees is that health has a major impact on satisfaction with life in retire-ment,” says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual Retirement Services. “We need to focus on our health as much as possible so we can enjoy life to the fullest extent in our later years. While none of us can predict how healthy we will be in the future, we can help influence the outcome by making lifestyle choices that promote good health.”

Seven out of 10 retirees in better health say they feel financially secure compared to 51 percent of retirees in poorer health, the study found.

Retirees in poorer health were twice as likely to feel anxious about their finances and lack a sense of purpose, and three times more likely to feel lonely, the research found. Also, four in 10 retirees overall say they spend more on health care than they expected before retiring, with 43 percent spending more than $5,000 annually and 14 percent spending more than $10,000.

If you’re in retirement, or looking for-ward to retirement, maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be a goal to help you better enjoy your retirement years. An earlier study conducted by MassMutual and Greenwald & Associates, Hopes, Fears and Reality—What Workers Expect in Retire-ment and What Steps Help Them Achieve the Retirement They Want (www.mass-mutual.com/retire), found that nearly half of all retirees retired sooner than they anticipated. This may mean that they are retiring at a younger age, and looking forward to enjoying their retirement years as much as possible.

Studies show that good health allows retirees to get out and enjoy life. Playing golf or tennis, spending the afternoon on a boat, or meeting with friends and family for lunch or dinner are all enjoy-able activities retirees may have time to do. However, when a person falls ill, they may not be able to get out and enjoy the retired life as much as someone who is healthy.

“Our study focused on people in the first 15 years of retirement,” says Mathew Greenwald, president of Greenwald & Associates. “In many cases, serious medi-cal issues arise after that, in older age. But even in the healthiest part of retirement, better health clearly has an impact on most people’s ability to fully enjoy retire-ment. Many of these issues will only be exacerbated for retirees as they age, which puts an exclamation point on the impor-tance of wellness.”

Health trumps wealth for many retirees

“The message for both retirees and pre-retirees is that health has a major impact on satisfaction with life in retirement.”

Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual Retirement Services


Quality Assured and Proven.

707-265-6400HiredHAndsHomecAre.com

Serving the counties of Napa,Sonoma, Marin and the Tri-Valley.

When it comes to family, quality is key. Hired Hands is honored towin the prestigious Best of Homecare award for our 3rd consecutive year fromHome Care Pulse, a national Quality Assurance firm that ranks both client andemployee satisfaction with care providers in areas such as compassion, work ethic,training and communication.

This award recognizes our great appreciation for thefeedback of those we work with, and our dedicationto the highest level of Quality, Expertise, andProfessionalism in senior care.

Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof.

Serving the counties of Napa,

compassion, work ethic,

iation for the

Cathy ZellerErickson

Trusts, Wills,Durable Powers ofAttorney,

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Zeller, Hoff & ZellerINC.

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929 Randolph St. • Napa, CA 94559

707-252-6633www.zhzlaw.com

Providing my clients withpersonal, Professional

Attention

ROBERT NATIONS

Can the VA help me pay for care in my home? The answer is YES. You will have to meet the Veteran Administration’s qualifica-tions.

As I understand it, there are two overall pro-grams: Compensation and Pension.

Disability Compensa-tion — This is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated during active military ser-vice. For example, a Viet-nam vet lost his hearing during his service.

Generally, people that qualify for this program are already receiving this bene-fit. However, your physical or mental condition may

have changed. This change could result in an increase in benefits. If you were injured during your service and you have not accessed this benefit, you should.

Disability Pen-sion – This is a monetary benefit paid to veterans with low income who are permanently disabled, age 65 and older. For example, a Korean Vet with good health as a result of my

service. However, last year broke his hip and now struggles with get-ting around.

What does it take to qualify for the pen-sion program?

— Discharge from the service other than dis-honorable conditions.

— 90 Days or more of active service and at least one day of which was during a period of war. Veterans who entered active duty on or after September 8, 1980 gen-erally must have served at least — 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty.

— Countable fam-ily income falls below a yearly limit set by law.

— Cash Assets. Gener-ally the VA will allow up

to $80,000. Primary resi-dence and car are exempt.

Can a veteran or their surviving spouse use the pension program to pay for home care? Yes, if the Veteran and/or spouse needs assistance with at least 2 activities of daily living (ADLs).

Within the pen-sion program there are two benefits:

— Aid & Attendance— House BoundThe main differ-

ences are:— Aid & Attendance

– The person requires the aid of another per-son in order to perform Activities of Daily Liv-ing (ADLs). Examples of ADLs are meal prep, bathing, dressing, or protecting one’s self from the hazards of their daily

environment.— House Bound – The

person is permanently and substantially con-fined to his/her immedi-ate residence.

Both programs require a Physician’s Report . Based on the physician’s input and other required medical evidence, the VA will determine if you qualify for the Aid & Attendance or House Bound benefit.

Aid & Attendance and House Bound payments are slightly different. For example today, the maxi-mum you may receive based on the Aid & Atten-dance program:

— A Veteran with one dependent $2,085

— A Veteran with no dependents $1,758

— Surviving

spouse $1,130The VA takes into

account your income less any unreimbursed medi-cal related expenses, to determine your monthly reimbursement.

The process can take some time to receive money from these pro-grams. However, the ben-efits are retroactive to the date you applied. The best news…there are people who can help. Every county in California has a Veterans Service Office (VSO). These people can help a veteran complete the paperwork and qualify for the different pro-grams. The Napa VSO can be reached at 707-253-4558. If you don’t know where to get started, you can call me at Senior Helpers at 707-251-1611.

Can the VA help me pay for home care?


Looking for facilities in Napa?Look to the OmbudsmanNapa County Long-Term Care

Ombudsman ProgramAdvocates for Residents of Nursing Facilities

and Residential Care HomesThe LTC Ombudsman is empowered by federal and state law to investigate allegations of the infringement ofrights, or of abuse or neglect in long-term care facilites—complaints against any agency, business, or individualinvolved in providing resident care.

Napa Long-Term Care Ombudsman1443 Main Street, Suite 125, Napa, CA 94559Phone (707) 255-4236 • Fax (707) 255-4713Email: [email protected]

24-hour State Ombudsman Hotline: 1-800-231-4024

This service is funded by the Area Agency on AgingServing Napa-Solano and private donations.

WHAT DO OMBUDSMEN DO?PROVIDE INFORMATIONMAINTAIN LISTS OF FACILITIESMAINTAIN CITATION RECORDSASSIST WITH PLACEMENT INFOVISIT FACILITIESMONITOR CARE & RESTRAINTSMONITOR ADHERENCE TO LAWINVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS

INVESTIGATE ELDER ABUSEREPORT VIOLATIONS OF LAWADVOCATE FOR RESIDENTSMEDIATE DISPUTESEDUCATE FAMILY AND STAFFHELP WITH RESIDENT COUNCILSHELP WITH FAMILY COUNCILSWITNESS ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

A LL SERVICES OF THE OMBUDSMAN ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE. ALL INFORMATION SHARED WITH THE OMBUDSMAN IS CONFIDENTIAL.


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BPT

Spinning and yoga classes are no longer reserved for only the young and restless. Take a closer look around, and you might just find that it’s great-grandparents who are out-pedaling you on the stationary bikes. In fact, accord-

ing to UnitedHealthcare’s 100@100 survey, nearly a quarter of 100-year-olds (24 percent) report doing cardiovascular exercise indoors at least once a week; almost one-third (29 percent) meditate or do other stress-relieving activities; and even more say they exercise to strengthen their muscles (34 percent).

Every year, UnitedHealthcare polls 100 centenarians for their insights and perspectives on reaching the cen-tury milestone. To mark the survey’s 10th anniversary in 2015, United-Healthcare also polled 100 10-year-olds to compare responses among the generations.

Findings from the survey suggest 100-year-olds are staying active, feel-ing positive, and embracing the pres-ent. And the kids? Though they may be small, their thoughts are anything but. Here are some key takeaways.

1. Embrace your smile lines.Mind and body are linked, accord-

ing to 1 in 4 centenarians surveyed who say the key to staying healthy is having a positive attitude. This aligns with last year’s 100@100 survey, in which two-thirds of centenarians said attitude is as important as physical health in terms of living 100 years or more.

When it comes to positivity, the 100-year-olds have an edge on the kids. More than half (61 percent) say they feel very positive, while only 44 percent of 10-year-olds say the same. On the bright side, centenar-ians say it gets easier to maintain a positive attitude with age, so 10-year-olds have the next 90 years to catch up. Both groups say family and friends are key to maintaining a positive attitude.

2. Nurture family relationships.Despite many years together, cen-

tenarians feel anything but “stuck” with their families. In fact, they actively stay in touch, with 83 percent saying they speak with extended fam-ily members at least weekly. Nearly 9 in 10 centenarians (89 percent) say visiting with family and friends makes them happy, and two-thirds of 10-year-olds agree.

What’s more, almost half (45 per-cent) of 100-year-olds and 40 percent of 10-year-olds say they’d prefer to spend time with a family member above anyone else in the world. And when it comes to childhood role models, both groups cite family above teachers, celebrities or others, with mom being the most popular choice.

3. Remember, age is just a number.

While both groups say it’s good to be young, many centenarians embrace their age. Perhaps that’s because, on average, the 100-year-olds report feeling more than two decades younger than they are, and 60 percent say they do not feel old. Given the choice between being their current age or 10-years-old, more than half of centenarians (58 percent) say they would rather be 100.

For more information on United-Healthcare’s 100@100 survey, visit UHC.com/100.

Happy and healthy how-tos FROM 100-YEAR-OLDS, 10-YEAR-OLDS ...


Discovering Retirement The Right Way

Dunton Health & Wealth ~ Greg Dunton2013 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558707-927-5549 • www.the-future-is-yours.com

These days retirement isn’t about slowing down,it’s about moving forward into a future that you control.

BPT

Did you know almost one out of three people in America will develop shingles in their lifetime? A whopping 1 million Americans experience the condition each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understand-ing the early signs and symptoms can help you protect yourself and loved ones and may enable you to enroll in a clinical trial of a new drug therapy designed to treat the pain associated with shingles.

“Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, can effect anyone who has recovered from chickenpox at any age, but as you get older you are more likely to get the disease,” says Stephen K. Tyring, M.D., Ph.D., der-matologist and virologist. “In fact, the majority of shingles cases occur in peo-ple age 50 years or older.”

Dr. Tyring says that the first sign of shingles is often pain, burning or tin-gling on the torso or face. This can occur one to five days before the physical signs of shingles—typi-cally a rash and blisters—appear. This can make early diagnosis difficult.

“Shingles is challenging to identify in its early stage because the pain appears to not be associated with a particular disease. Making patients aware of the early symptoms is important because if shingles pro-gresses without treatment the pain may increase and the rash and blister-ing will become more pronounced,” commented Dr. Tyring.

Dr. Tyring urges every-one to be aware of the

early signs of shingles and the importance of seeking treatment imme-diately. People tend to try to “wait it out” and visit the doctor only when the symptoms and pain become severe. Visiting a doctor promptly within 72 hours of the first blister can help ensure you get the professional advice necessary to over-come the illness.

The rising incidence of shingles highlights the need for better therapies to help patients -particu-larly those at increased risk, such as seniors or those with a compromised immune system.

A new clinical trial is seeking participants to test a promising drug therapy that is designed to treat the pain associated with shingles, known as post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN. PHN can last for several months or even years after the rash goes away and it occurs

in about 20 percent of people who get shingles.

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with shingles, you may be able to par-ticipate in this important clinical trial. Here are some of the criteria patients must meet in order to participate in the study:

Be 50 years of age or older.Are able to receive your first dose of study medication within 72 hours (3 days) of a possi-ble shingles rash appear-ing.Have not received the shingles vaccine.”Shingles is on the rise and more potent drugs are needed,” says Dr. Tyring. “This clinical trial will help the medical community learn more about how to best treat this disease so everyone can stay as healthy as possible.”

Learn more by visiting: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02412917?term=nct02412917&rank=1.

Knowing early signs of shingles may save you years of pain

something forEveryoneshop local

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“Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, can effect anyone who has recovered

from chickenpox at any age, but as you get older you are more likely to get the disease. In fact, the majority of shingles cases occur in people age 50 years or older.”

Stephen K. Tyring, M.D., Ph.D., dermatologist and virologist.


VETERANS,SPOUSES OF VETERANS,

AND SURVIVING SPOUSESOF VETERANS:

You, a veteran or spouse of aveteran that you know may beeligible for a special benefit fromthe V.A. This benefit pays seniorsfor the in-home care they need.Whether you require the aid andattendance of another personat home or need Senior Helpers’award-winning Alzheimer’s care,call today to see if you qualify

and how you can apply.

BECAUSE YOUWENT IN,WE’REGOING IN.

For more information, please visitwww.seniorhelpers.com/Napaor call (707) 251-1540.Senior Helpers1100 Trancas Street, Suite 214, Napa, CA 94558

For more information, please visit

BPT

Staying cool during summer heat isn’t just a question of comfort for older folks, it’s a matter of good health. High temper-atures can lead to serious heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and older people are at greater risk, no mat-ter where they live, health experts say.

“As we get older, it gets more difficult for our bodies to manage extreme heat,” says Dr. Kevin O’Neil, chief medi-cal officer for Brookdale senior living. “A number of factors contribute to this problem, including physi-ological changes, increased use of medications—such as diuretics—that can contribute to dehydration,

chronic health conditions, and dementia that may make it difficult for people to recognize thirst or to know how to properly pro-tect themselves from sun and heat.”

Heat-related deaths occur more frequently among older people than younger age groups, with those older than 75 being substantially more at risk, according to A 2014 National Health Statistics Report by the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-vention.

O’Neil, whose organiza-tion serves approximately 100,000 seniors in 1,147 communities throughout the United States, offers guidance on how seniors and their care-givers can act to prevent heat-related illnesses:

Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most serious forms of heat-related illness, and they can be fatal for older people. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, nausea, weak-ness or fainting, and cold, clammy skin. Heat stroke symptoms include a body temperature higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit, hot or red skin, a fast pulse and possible unconscious-ness.

If you recognize any of these symptoms in your-self or a senior loved one, seek medical assistance immediately. For heat stroke symptoms, call 911 for help. It’s critical to treat both conditions as quickly as possible.

Fight dehydration“Seniors can be at

particular risk of becom-ing dehydrated during the summer,” O’Neil says. “Normally, when we get hot, our bodies sweat to dissipate the heat, but if you’re dehydrated the vol-ume of fluid in your body is already depleted. That can impact your vascular

system, which can affect your blood pressure.”

Aging may make you less able to perceive thirst, too, so you may not real-ize you need fluid. “I tell people to drink more than you’re thirsty for, espe-cially when exercising or in warmer weather. Eating fruits and vegetables with a high water content, like watermelon, is also a good way to increase your fluid intake, especially if you have trouble remembering to drink more.”

Watch for signs of dehydration, including urine that’s a darker yellow, rather than pale or clear. Mild dehydration can lead to heat cramps, and you can combat mild dehydra-tion by simply drinking more. Severe dehydration can lead to heat stroke and may require treatment with intravenous fluids.

Be aware of medica-tions’ effect on heat-related illnesses.

Most seniors are on at least one type of medica-tion, and diuretics are a common treatment for multiple common

disorders, including high blood pressure. Diuretics can contribute to dehydra-tion, and other medica-tions may lower your resistance to the effects of extreme heat.

If you’re on a diuretic, increase your water intake during the summer. Be aware that alcoholic bever-ages may also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Talk to your doctor about your medica-tions and how they may affect you during times of extreme heat.

Be aware of how your medical conditions might elevate your risks.

Certain medical condi-tions—such as neuromus-cular disorders, cardiovas-cular disease and renal dis-ease—can increase your risk of overheating, and make you more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses. People with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may not know when they’re feeling thirsty or too hot, and may not be able to communicate how they’re feeling. Be aware that heat can also make medical conditions worse. Heat-related issues can elevate your risk of fall-ing, and falls are a leading cause of hospitalization for seniors.

Take steps to stay cool.Avoid exercising dur-

ing the heat of the day, especially outdoors, and monitor weather reports for temperature and air-quality forecasts. Choose exercises like swimming and water aerobics, and consider exercising indoors. Check and change the air-conditioning filters in your home to ensure your air conditioning is working at its best to keep you cool.

Choose lightweight, light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.

Protect yourself from summer heat


~ Full Service Funeral Home~ Large Chapel~ On-site Crematory~ Cemetery~ We now offer “Green Burials”~ Reception Center and Patio~ Multimedia Services Available

Pre-Paid Advance Planning that Guarantees Today’s Prices

Serving the Napa Community for over 150 Years

411 Coombsville Rd., Napa

707-252-4727www.tulocaycemetery.org

LIC: COA 9 FD1786 CR113

Si hablamos español

How do you want to be remembered? This a question most people consider, but few people talk about it with their loved ones. And all too often, when someone dies, family members

are left to guess what type of arrangements their loved one wanted. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Why make prearrangements?The reason is simple. You love your

family and you want to spare them the necessity of having to make complicated choices and arrangements at the most difficult time of their lives. Pre-planning demonstrates love and consideration toward your family members by giving them direction for final arrangement decisions. It allows them to grieve

without the pressure of making emo-tional decisions.

How is planning done?A funeral home staff member will

meet with you at a time that is conve-nient, and assist you in recording your wishes. You can arrange the details of your funeral in advance, at your own pace.

You can reflect on your decisions,

and specify exactly the way in which you’d like to be remembered. You can choose the type of service that suits you best, even picking out a casket or urn, location of the service, and type of flowers and music. Important obituary information will be recorded. Once you have made your selections, a file will be kept at the funeral home until needed.

Plus, that file is transferable should you move or decide to choose another funeral home.

Does it cost anything to make pre-arrangements?

No, an unfunded preneed can be kept on file to give your family direction regarding your wishes.

However, there are payment options available to prepay your arrangements which enable the funeral home to guarantee today’s prices and protect your family from any cost increases in the future.

So, regardless of whether you pay for your arrangements in advance, planning is one of the most considerate, compas-sionate things you can do for your family.

Celebrate life Pre-planning saves loved ones from difficult choices

For more news and sports, go to NapaValleyRegister.com

“Pre-planning demonstrates love and consideration

toward your family members by giving them direction for final arrangement decisions.”


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2 Bedroom2 Bath + Den1,910 sq ft

the best years

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