Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 14, 2013

11

THE GOOD LIFE

 Mountain Views News Saturday. December 14, 2013 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HOW TO GUARD 
AGAINST WINTERTIME 
HEART ATTACKS

Dear Savvy Senior:

When I had a mild heart attack about six months 
ago my doctor told me I needed to be extra careful during the winter when recurring heart attacks are 
more common. Is this true? How can the seasons affect your heart?

Leery Senior

Dear Leery:

Everyone knows winter is cold and flu season, but most people don’t know that it’s also the prime season 
for heart attacks too, especially if you already have heart disease or have suffered a previous heart 
attack. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you protect yourself. 

Heart Attack Season

In the U.S., the risk of having a heart attack during the winter months is twice as high as it is during 
the summertime. Why? There are a number of factors, and they’re not all linked to cold weather. Even 
people who live in warm climates have an increased risk. Here are the areas you need to pay extra 
attention to this winter. 

Cold temperatures: When a person gets cold, the body responds by constricting the blood vessels to 
help the body maintain heat. This causes blood pressure to go up and makes the heart work harder. 
Cold temperatures can also increase levels of certain proteins that can thicken the blood and increase 
the risk for blood clots. So stay warm this winter, and when you do have to go outside, make sure you 
bundle up in layers with gloves and a hat, and place a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm up the 
air before you breathe it in. 

Snow shoveling: Studies have shown that heart attack rates jump dramatically in the first few days after 
a major snowstorm, usually a result of snow shoveling. Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity 
that raises blood pressure and stresses the heart. Combine those factors with the cold temperatures 
and the risks for heart attack surges. If your sidewalk or driveway needs shoveling this winter, hire a 
kid from the neighborhood to do it for you, or use a snow blower. Or, if you must shovel, push rather 
than lift the snow as much as possible, stay warm, and take frequent breaks.

New Year’s resolutions: Every Jan. 1, millions of people join gyms or start exercise programs as part of 
their New Year’s resolution to get in shape, and many overexert themselves too soon. If you’re starting 
a new exercise program this winter, take the time to talk to your doctor about what types and how 
much exercise may be appropriate for you.

Winter weight gain: People tend to eat and drink more, and gain more weight during the holiday season 
and winter months, all of which are hard on the heart and risky for someone with heart disease. 
So keep a watchful eye on your diet this winter and avoid binging on fatty foods and alcohol.

Shorter days: Less daylight in the winter months can cause many people to develop “seasonal affective 
disorder” or SAD, a wintertime depression that can stress the heart. Studies have also looked at heart 
attack patients and found they usually have lower levels of vitamin D (which comes from sunlight) 
than people with healthy hearts. To boost your vitamin D this winter, consider taking a supplement 
that contains between 1,000 and 2,000 international units (IU) per day. And to find treatments for 
SAD, visit the Center for Environmental Therapeutics website at cet.org.

Flu season: Studies show that people who get flu shots have a lower heart attack risk. It’s known that 
the inflammatory reaction set off by a flu infection can increase blood clotting which can lead to 
heart attacks in vulnerable people. So, if you haven’t already done so, get a flu shot for protection. See 
flushot.healthmap.org to find a nearby vaccination site. 

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

 By Pat Birdsall

FYI: THINK OUTSIDE THE GIFT BOX

 

Don’t let the real reason for the season get lost under a pile of presents. Here’s how to balance the 
“gimmes” with giving back. Choose charities: www.charitynavigator.com has everything listed from 
A to Z in the Los Angeles area. Wherever your interests lie, you can find a charity that matches that 
interest…There are 218 organizations listed alphabetically with a description of each, followed by a 
rating system. When you make a difference in someone or something’s life, it truly enriches your own. 

Create Coupons for Family and Friends: Vouchers for special outings to museums, movies, or 
football games make great stocking stuffers. Go the Homemade Route: The thought is really what 
counts, especially if you’re giving gifts to close friends or family. Even if you’re not the crafty type, 
there are lots of easy projects you can do…really. I got most of the information for my column from 
an article in the Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, so I would be remiss not recommending their 
web site for Christmas gift ideas, they’re really quite good and all in one spot… Browse www.bhg.
com/diygift Surprise your friends and family with your handiwork! You might surprise yourself too. 
Merry Christmas!

HELPFUL HINT: Repurpose those paper towel rolls: (1) Make an Art Tube out them…
Either for a child’s masterpieces or yours. Just be sure to label each one. (2) Roll linens around them 
for wrinkle-free storage.

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FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE - A lady walks into a drug store and tells the pharmacist 
she needs some cyanide. The pharmacist said, “Why do you need cyanide?” The lady then explained 
that she needed it to poison her husband. The pharmacist’s eyes got big and he said, “Lord have mercy, 
I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband! That’s against the law! I’ll lose my license; they’ll throw 
us both in jail! You absolutely can NOT have any cyanide!” The lady reached into her purse and pulled 
out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist’s wife. The pharmacist looked at the picture 
and replied, “Well now, you didn’t tell me you had a prescription.” ~ ~ 
~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … December Birthdays

Pat Karamitros, Joan Hufnagel, Marie Pedersen, Mary Alice Cervera, Carol Horejsi, 
Shirley Anhalt , Mignon Grijalva, Helen Reese, Levon Yapoujian, Toni Buckner, Bonnie 
Garner, Lottie Bugl, Pat McGuire, Sheila Wohler, Nan Murphy, Eleanor Hensel, Sylvia Curl, 
Elizabeth Levie, Gayle Licher and Cindy Barran.

* To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth 
not required.

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Quote of the Week: It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air ~ 

 ~ W.T. Ellis

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ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park House 
(Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 

 YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon 

(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.) 

All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 for 
those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily

 reservations are necessary as space is limited. 

 Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256

Lunch and Learn with the Mayor

Wednesday, December 18th- 12:00- 1:00 pm Hart Park House Senior Center

Mayor Nancy Walsh will recap notable happenings in Sierra Madre over the past year and share 
projects and expectations for the upcoming year. Stay informed about the City of Sierra Madre 
through this information filled presentation. Any questions you have are welcomed. If you would 
like to have lunch during the talk, please make a lunch reservation with the Senior Lunch Café at 
626.355.0256 or bring your own.

Free Balance Class: Every 3rd Monday for 11:00 am to 11:45 am with Shannon Vandevelde. A 
variety of balance exercises are practiced; all ability levels are encouraged and welcomed. 

Free Blood Pressure Testing: Held Second Tuesday of the month from 11:00 am-12:00 pm: No 
appointment necessary.

 

Bingo: Every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm Cards are only .25c each! 

Free Chair Yoga: New Hours: 11:00 to 11:45 Every Wednesday morning. Join Paul Hagen for this 
free class that focuses on senior yoga techniques. No reservation is necessary!

Free Legal Consultation: Pasadena attorney Lem Makupson volunteers on the 2nd Wednesday of 
the month. He focuses on estate planning, trusts, wills, probate, conservatorships and business law. 
*Appointments are a must! Please call: 626.355.7394 to make yours* Conflicting court schedules 
can occasionally cause cancellations.

Birthday Celebrations: The 2nd Thursday of the month the Senior Center celebrates the birthdays of 
our patrons at 12:30 pm. Please join us for free cake and ice cream and “celebration.” (The cakes are 
provided due to a generous donation from the Sierra Madre Civic Club.)

Game Day: Every Thursday at 1:00pm. Poker is usually the game of choice, or should I say chance? 
Board games and other card games are also available. Outside, on the patio, a beautiful, one-of-a-
kind chess table is anxious for players.

Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 1:00 pm -1:45 pm Conducted by long-time 
volunteer, Lisa Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low-impact resistance training. Weights 
are provided by the Sierra Madre Senior Center. It’s a great way to stay in shape and to

 socialize with your peers. 

Senior Citizens Club: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House (Senior Center). Brown bag lunch at 
11:30am; Club meeting at Noon; Bingo 12:30- 3:30 pm. Only .25c per card.

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS:

Los Angeles Times & Printing Plant (Los Angeles, CA.)

Date: Friday, January 10, 2014

Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Meeting Location: Hart Park House/Senior Center

Cost: $15.00 (does not include lunch)

With a daily circulation of more than one million readers, the Los Angeles Times is by far the most 
popular newspaper in the Southland. The publication’s headquarters, built in 1935, is situated on 
the outskirts of Downtown. The one-hour tour is an educational trip through the entire publication 
process as well as a history of this storied American newspaper. Following the Headquarters tour, 
the bus will take a short drive to the printing plant. During this 45-minute tour watch robots assist 
in the preparation of final copies of the paper for distribution. After the tours lunch will be enjoyed 
at a downtown restaurant. It is recommended that you bring $10 to $15 for lunch. Last day to 
register is Friday, January 3rd. Level of walking: Moderate

Save the Dates: Thursday, February 27, 2014

Feline Conservation Center (Rosamond, Ca.)Time: 9:00am to 4:00 pm

Cost: $15.00 (does not include lunch)

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Whale Watching (Long Beach, Ca.) Time: 10:00am to 3:30 pm

Cost: $31.00 (does not include lunch)

*Registering for Excursions can be done in person at the Hart Park House Senior Center and the 
Community Recreation Center or online at www.cityofsierramadre.com Cash, checks, and credit 
cards are accepted. Make checks payable “City of Sierra Madre”. Payment must be made at the time 
of reservation.

 Senior Cinema

 Wednesday, December 18th at 1:00pm

Join us for a special holiday feature complete with coffee, hot chocolate and holiday treats. This will 
be the only movie shown in the month of December. It will be held at the Hart Park House/Senior 
Center to accommodate for the food and beverages. Enjoy the warmth of the Senior Center as the fire 
flickers while watching the classic “A Christmas Story.” (1983) Ralphie has to convince his parents, 
teachers and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940s.Rated PG-Run 
time 94 minutes. Movie and snack provided by Humana. 


KATIE Tse.....................This and That

“WHEN THE DOG BITES! WHEN THE BEE STINGS!”

 “The hills are alive...” with the sound of critics. Did you watch “The Sound of 
Music” last Thursday? My husband and I did, and though I doubt any of the cast are 
going to be nominated for acting awards, I shamelessly admit that I loved it! (That 
doesn’t mean I want to watch it again, but it was fun the first time.)

 Like all great musicals, “The Sound of 
Music” has a unifying effect on people. The fact that NBC is 
selling a sing-along DVD attests to this. There are a surprising 
variety of people you wouldn’t expect to know, or care, about 
“The Sound of Music.” One of my junior high teachers was a 
big, tall “man’s man” who liked rough and tumble sports and 
had a Saint Bernard with a head the size of a basketball. The 
topic of faith came up one day during class. Misty-eyed, my 
teacher described the scene in which the Mother Superior 
exhorts Maria to “Climb Every Mountain!” 

 Then there was my Mom’s principal, an Asian man in his 
40’s; he loved the movie so much that he even gave his daughter 
the Alpine name, Heidi. Even my husband surprised me by 
knowing many of the songs. Apparently he sang them in 
grammar school for a Christmas program. 

 Of course, what I love most are Rodgers & Hammerstein’s songs! Commenting on the musical score, 
Rodgers once stated, “You don’t leave the theater humming the scenery.” While no one has criticized 
Carrie Underwood’s singing, many have lambasted her acting ability and her nerve to attempt Julie 
Andrew’s iconic role as Maria von Trapp. Frankly, I think any actress would be crucified for taking 
on that role. (The same can be said for Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” or Scarlet in “Gone With the 
Wind.” Actually, there was a “sequel” to the latter, but it was so awful it doesn’t warrant mentioning.) 

 While I’m by no means extolling Underwood’s acting, I think we all need to take a step back and 
remember that this was a LIVE, MUSICAL. I readily admit I know as much about acting, singing, 
dancing, and the theater in general as I do about higher math. However, as a closet old person, I’ve 
watched many movie musicals, and even went to see a few musical plays. 

 As far as I can fathom, movies are vastly different from plays, especially musicals. First, theater 
actors have to project their voice, movements, and overall character enough so the people in the 
nosebleed section can appreciate them. This, in itself, necessitates some over-acting. Now, when you 
add dancing and singing to the mix, even more is required from actors. Not only do they have to 
remember their lines, but they’ve got to belt them out, sometimes while dancing. I can barely hike 
and talk at the same time, so I have a deep respect for those who sing and dance simultaneously. 
Heck, I can’t even stand being “dressed up” for more than a couple hours.

 Furthermore, while movie actors have the luxury of multiple takes and breaks in between scenes, 
theater actors have to get it right the first time. There are no second chances in front of a live audience. 
For all of these reasons, I’ve always considered musical theater actors more as athletes. The stamina it 
must take to pull off these productions night after night, week after week boggles my mind. 

 The difference in the amount of skill and energy expended by these actors is kind of like comparing 
my little column to the work of a stand-up improv actor. It’s one thing to come up with witty one-
liners on the spot, and it’s another to sit typing at home in your jammies, as I am now. By the time 
you read this, it will be at least my third draft, (and even then, I can’t promise anything). But at 
least it’s a lot cheaper than buying theater tickets! And now I must bid you “So long, Farewell, Auf 
Wiedersehen, Good bye!”