crossroads magazine lifestyles

CrossroadsMagazineCommunity

volunteerSonny BoatmanSonny Boatman

Harrells hike entireHarrells hike entireAppalachian Trail

See & Do by Cathy WoodGet great deals Get great deals on Winter travelon Winter travel

In the Kitchen by Sue Bronson

TOPS support group TOPS support group helps with weight losshelps with weight loss

Doctor’s Ordersby James Gilmore, MDby James Gilmore, MD

Lifestyles Plus — 2013 Winter Edition

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C R O S S R O A D S M A G A Z I N E — L I F E S T Y L E S P L U SPA G E 2

A Little Gift Goes A Long Way

Historic Downtown Corinth

Corinth, MS 38834

662.286.5041

C R O S S R O A D S M A G A Z I N E — L I F E S T Y L E S P L U S PA G E 3

What’s Inside

The HIking Harrells — Corinth couple completes the entire 2,000-mile plus Appalachian Trail.

Pages 20-26

ContentsWinter 2013

CrossroadsMagazine

A Daily Corinthian Publication | Winter 2013

E D I T O R I A L

PublisherReece Terry

EditorMark Boehler

ContributorsSteve BeaversMark BoehlerSue Bronson

Sue ElamJebb JohnstonH. Lee Smith, II

Cathy Wood

A D V E R T I S I N G

Advertising DirectorDenise Mitchell

Sales RepresentativesLaura HollowayDerinda Nunley

Fallon Coln

Creative DesignerMarissa Ferreira

Crossroads Magazine is published by the Daily Corin-thian, 1607 Harper Road, Corinth, MS. Complimenta-ry issues are distributed throughout the Crossroads area. The contents of Crossroads Magazine are copy-righted and may not be reproduced without consent of the publisher. Crossroads Magazine shall not be held liable for failure to publish an ad or for typographical or publication errors. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertsing and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publications. For additional copies of Crossroads Magazine, contact the Daily Corinthian at 662-287-6111.

On the cover

Community volunteer Sonny Boatman.

Pages 14-17

Cover photo by Sue Elam of On Location Photography.


See & Do by Cathy WoodPage 5

In the Kitchen by Sue Bronson

Pages 8

Doctor’s Orders by James Gilmore, MD

Pages 11

Meet & Greet by Steve Beavers, Mark Boehler

Pages 28,29

Departments

See & Do

If the winter blahs are getting to you, here’s a simple solution: Get out of town.

Whether you take a bus tour to explore our vast country, book a cruise to a warm and sunny tropical island or reserve a suite for a romantic Valen-tine’s Day weekend, travel can brighten up your cold-weather blues.

Donna Galbraith, who owns and manages Scotts Hill Travel in Scotts Hill, Tenn., with her husband, Benny, recommended that senior travelers consider group tours and cruises.

“Being with a group is safe and fun,” she said. “It’s about the best way to travel – it’s safe and secure. Especially this time of year, everybody’s ready for someplace sunny and warm.”

The Galbraiths followed their own advice and led their annual win-ter cruise aboard the Carnival ship Conquest in January. The group went to New Orleans via motor coach and departed for a seven-day six-night cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.

Matching travelers with the itinerary they want is key to a successful trip, Donna Galbraith said.

“When you’re looking for the best deal in a tour, look for a good company to go with,” she said. “If there’s an at-traction you want to see, fi nd a compa-ny that offers that. Look for companies that offer a lot to do, both coming and going. Some travel companies offer very cheap trips that look good, but re-member that you get what you pay for.”

Another important tip when choos-ing a group tour: Pay your deposit early. When a minimum number of people is required for a trip, early deposits prevent the trip from being canceled and locks in the advertised

price, Galbraith added.At their website, scottshilltravel.com,

the Galbraiths list upcoming trips and other travel information. Another local tour company is Corinth Charter and Tours, owned and managed by Greg Page, at corinthcharters.com.

Websites are a convenient way to browse through travel companies’ offerings. After all, what’s better than staying inside on a cold winter’s night and shopping for a beachfront condo or a luxurious hotel room?

Here are some options for winter getaways from various area travel sites:

❄ Cruises — Since most cruise ships are too big to embark from the Mo-bile, Ala., port, most area vacationers headed for Caribbean breezes leave from New Orleans. Prices can start at around $1,000 per person for three nights at all-inclusive resorts or at around $200-$400 for a quick no-frills island trip. Of course, travel experts say, be sure to add in all the additional — and probably hidden — costs when you think you’ve found a too-good-to-be-true deal. Start your search at roy-alcaribbean.cruiselines.com, celebrity-cruises.com and carnival.com.

❄ Bus tours — The main complaint travelers have about bus tours is poten-tial boredom, said Donna Galbraith. “Keeping you entertained while on the road is one thing we do,” she said. “I don’t use the front seat — I use the back seat, carry crazy costumes and have a ball. That’s what I enjoy.” She also combats the other common com-plaint — not spending enough time at popular attractions — with research. “I fi nd out how much time the aver-age person stays at the attractions and that’s the amount of time that we do,” she said. “And when time’s up, you can look around and see that people are pretty much ready to go, leaving just

enough there to inspire folks who want to come back.” Check Barkley Travel Service, in New Albany, at barkleytrav-el.com, for March bus tours to Texas, Alabama and other spots.

❄ Amtrak — Looking for a leisurely amble with the romance of the rails? With several Amtrak stations in Missis-sippi and nearby Alabama and Tennes-see, it’s easy to put together a train trip at amtrak.com, including the famed Chicago-to-Memphis-to-New Orleans “City of New Orleans” route.

❄ Weekend packages — Perhaps a weekend getaway in close-to-home hotel luxury is what you need this win-ter. Look for discounts and specials at Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, on the Tennessee River in Florence, Ala., mar-riott.com, and the renowned Peabody Memphis (Tenn.), peabodymemphis.com. For another downtown experi-ence, take a look at the Embassy Suites in Huntsville, Ala., home to a Ruth’s Chris Steak House. And don’t forget Pickwick Landing State Park, at Pick-wick Landing, Tenn., .tn.gov/environ-ment/parks/PickwickLanding/. Book an anniversary package at the Pickwick Landing State Park inn for one night with dinner, breakfast and fl owers for $120 per couple, plus tax.

(Cathy Wood is a downtown Corinth

resident and freelance writer. She con-

tributes stories to the Daily Corinthian

and its magazines -- Lifestyles Plus and

Crossroads.)


Got the winter blahs? It’s time to travel!By Cathy Wood

MISSISSIPPI STATE — Another year is now here, and with it, people will make resolutions for fi nancial fi tness and better spending and saving habits.

Bobbie Shaffett, family resource management specialist with the Mis-sissippi State University Extension Service, said being smart about money means being realistic.

“You can do a quick fi nancial check-up by answering three simple ques-tions. Do you spend less than you earn? Do you spend no more than 15 to 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay on credit payments, such as car loans and credit cards, but excluding your mortgage? Do you have an emergency savings fund that can cover one to three months of your living expenses?”

Depending on how they answer these questions, consumers may need to change daily money habits dramati-

cally. One money management exercise Shaffett recommended is collecting daily sales receipts and monthly billing statements to create an accurate record of monthly expenses.

“Listing every cent spent for at least one week can be an eye-opener,” she said. “Compare monthly expenses to in-come and to savings. Use these records to look for tell-tale signs of problem areas that need attention.”

An emergency savings account with enough funds to pay expenses for at least one month offers practical peace of mind.

“You could be just one paycheck away from disaster,” Shaffett said. “Shape up your spending now by re-ducing unnecessary expenses, plugging spending leaks and starting a savings plan for a healthy future.”

Susan Cosgrove, family resource management area agent with MSU’s Extension Service in Newton County, said fi nancial health requires self-disci-

pline and consistent effort.She offered several tips for better

fi nancial fi tness.“Learn to live a simpler lifestyle,”

Cosgrove said. “Less really is more. Buy fewer clothes, shoes, jewelry and stuff in general. Give up designer brands. Take extra care of what you already have so that it will last longer.”

Cosgrove said eating smaller portions will help save money on food while also leading to better health, increased quality of life and increased productiv-ity at work.

“Eating at home will save you money too, as long as you read labels and fol-low food storage instructions. Spoiled food and discarded leftovers are money down the drain,” she said.

Smart money skills should be a family value, so the next generation can learn healthy habits beginning in childhood.

Shape up fi nances in the new yearBy Keri Collins LewisMSU Ag Communications


CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Even though I overeat in private, my excess poundage is there for all the world to see.

I thought of that part of the Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) pledge as I weighed myself after the holidays.

Contrary to belief, holiday calories do count.

My TOPS support group didn’t meet for two weeks during the holidays, so not having to be accountable was not good for me.

After my binge, I’m back on track. Having lost about 30 pounds, I don’t need to backslide now.

I’ve missed the meetings, because just having to tell fellow members if I’ve lost or gained helps keep me focused.

TOPS is not a program. It’s a support group.

Each person has his or her own diet plan — whether counting calories or points. Members take turns present-ing a 30-minute program each week, not just diet tips, but doing breathing exercises and talking about how to relieve stress. Since we’re mostly senior

citizens, when it’s Doris Brewer’s turn, the program is usually brain teaser games to keep us alert.

A retired nurse, Connie Holland always comes prepared, especially if Dr. Oz has been interesting during the week. Anyone who has something to contribute does so.

Team leader Betty Jones has been a member for 16 years and her inspira-tion has been instrumental in getting others started. She reached her goal (about 40 pounds) the fi rst year and has maintained her KOPS (Keep off Pounds Sensibly) status. She contributes her success mostly to will-power, but walk-ing at cardiac rehab every day helps. She said, “I believe in portion control. I don’t deprive myself of anything and I don’t eat a lot of sweets.”

The member with the highest weight loss is Danny Potts. After his heart surgery in 2011, he was doing cardiac rehab, but needed more.

“Betty Jones and Betty Wilbanks kept at me until I joined TOPS,” he said. “I started eating more meat — not fried — quit bread and cut down on sweets,” he continued. The result has been a 60 pounds lost so far.

Doris Brewer joined the group about 6 months ago. She said up until now she has tried just about every diet out there with no results.

She said, “At TOPS, I’ve not done as well as I could have, but it’s something I can live with. I’ve averaged about a pound a week so far.”

Her main tip is to watch portion sizes, along with exercise and plenty of protein.

“It doesn’t help if you eat healthy if you still eat too much,” she explained.

Doris also likes to share her healthy recipes with the group.

Steamed Veggies

1 small bag Normandy mix (cauli-fl ower, carrots and broccoli)

1⁄2 package frozen pearl onionsFrozen cornFrozen English peas

Steam vegetables in microwave until hot. Add a little salt and pepper, small amount of brown sugar and 1⁄2 pat of butter or butter spray.

(Can be done in a pan on stovetop with a very small amount of water.)

Veggie Pizza

Start with 1⁄2 slice of whole wheat Pita bread. Spray with fat-free butter

In the KitchenTOPS support group helps people stay on trackEating healthyisn’t a diet —it’s a lifestyle

Sue BronsonDown Home

❄ Keep a journal. That half a cookie the kids left on the counter or taste-testing spaghetti sauce three or four times also counts. Recording every bite helps to keep track.

❄ Drink plenty of water. Water is essential in fl ushing out fat and toxins. Coffee and tea are not to be counted in daily intake.

❄ No colas -- not even diet colas. Studies have shown that ar-tifi cial sweeteners actually appear to increase cravings in some people so they tend to eat more.

❄ Exercise. It’s the most effective means to lose weight and keep it off. As you lose, it helps to fi rm up that sagging skin.

❄ Go natural. Use real butter instead of substitutes. Use regular mayonnaise, dressing, sugar, etc. instead of fat-free, just

use less. When the fat is taken out, something else is usually added, like sugar or chemically-based products. Eating some fat is important because it helps one to feel satisfi ed.

❄ Eat fruits and vegetables every day, along with lean meat. One half the plate should be fi lled with produce. Chicken, fi sh or pork tenderloin are good choices. Pork tenderloin actually contains more “good” fat than chicken.

❄ Do snack between meals. Waiting until hunger strikes makes one eat more. Fruits and nuts make great snacks.

❄ Watch salt intake. Go with fresh whenever possible be-cause processed meat and most canned items contain mega salt content. Experiment with other spices to enhance food.

More tips for healthy eating


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(StatePoint) With the technolog-ical and cultural landscape in fl ux, many professional fi elds are un-dergoing rapid changes. Continu-ally challenging yourself can help you achieve success, keeping you relevant as your chosen profession moves with the times.

Long gone are the days when most Americans start a job and toil at the same workplace — or even in the same profession — until they receive that gold watch on retirement day.

More Americans are now striv-ing to live a life like that of Warren Adler, a self-made novelist and founder of a new business at the not-so-old age of 84.

For Adler and others like him, life is about embracing what’s new and jumping into new challenges.

Back in the days following World War II, he was a reporter for the Armed Forces Press Ser-vice, covering the Truman White House. He then launched the Washington Dossier magazine with his wife and son, started a public relations fi rm and then, mid-career, became a successful novelist at the age of 45. Fast-forward almost 40 years to 2012, and he has 33 books under his belt and is the successful founder of a publishing company that is a leader in embracing the electronic book revolution.

In 2011, his company, Stone-house Productions, released fi ve e-books simultaneously in an exclusive with Amazon.

No matter the profession, indus-try leaders are the ones who can foresee future game changers and are willing to reinvent themselves

at different points in their careers.It’s all about being able to see

around corners. And those who remain rooted in tradition may struggle. New technologies have left little room for old business models — and workers who don’t embrace new ways — to succeed.

“If the publishing world did not see the move to cyberspace com-ing they were fools and are now paying the price,” says Adler, who authored the classic “The War of the Roses,” amongst other books that have gone on to become ma-jor Hollywood movies and televi-sion programs. “I predicted when I fi rst introduced the Sony Reader in 2007 that the number of stores selling printed books would shrink in years to come.”

Adler’s personal tale illustrates it

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C R O S S R O A D S M A G A Z I N E — L I F E S T Y L E S P L U SPA G E 1 0

(StatePoint) Today’s seniors are lead-ing active lives, fi lling their time with travel and new experiences.

While staying active is great for one’s general well-being and happiness, con-tinuous travel provides many challenges

to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Good nutrition and regular exercise

can keep you feeling great and reduce your risk for diseases such as prostate cancer, diabetes and hypertension. And, as we age, our risk for developing these diseases increases, so it’s especially vital for aging men and women to protect their overall health.

Next time you take a trip, don’t let your health go on vacation too. Here are some wellness tips that will travel as well as those wrinkle-free shirts:

❄ Maybe it’s all that waiting, but something about airports makes people hungrier. Packing food may be your best bet for a wholesome meal. If you do buy airport food, you may want to couple it with a little exercise. Explore the terminal’s options before settling on the fi rst fast food joint you see. Salads, low-fat sandwiches and smoothies abound, these days. And instead of snacking on high-sodium pretzels or crackers on your fl ight, opt for an immunity-boost-ing piece of fruit instead.

❄ On road trips, pack a cooler fi lled with fresh vegetables, homemade sand-wiches and water. If you do stop along

the way, try and wait until you can fi nd a rest stop with plenty of healthy food choices.

❄ Incorporate cancer-fi ghting foods into your daily meals. Evidence from several studies suggests that fi sh can help protect against prostate cancer be-cause they have “good fat,” particularly omega-3 fatty acids. Likewise, a lack of vegetables in the diet is linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, according to experts at the Prostate Can-cer Foundation.

❄ A buffet can derail a diet quickly. When possible, skip the all-you-can-eat food fest and opt for individual menu items instead. When you can’t resist a buffet, eat an entire plate of salad before hitting the main dishes. Just be sure to go light on cheese and dressing and heavy on vegetables like broccoli and caulifl ower. After the salad, stick with grilled, lean meats and whole grains. Keep the amount of fat you get from red meat and dairy products to a minimum.

❄ When you’re cooking for yourself, you know exactly what’s in your food.

Wellness tips that will travel as well as wrinkle-free shirtsTravel can present many obstacles to maintaining a healthy lifestyle


C R O S S R O A D S M A G A Z I N E — L I F E S T Y L E S P L U S PA G E 1 1

One out of three deaths in people over 35 years old in the United States this year will be caused by coronary heart disease (CHD).

According to American Heart Asso-ciation data, 17.6 million people in the U.S. have CHD. 800,000 Americans will have their fi rst heart attack this year and 500,000 will have a repeat heart attack. 900,000 will die from CHD. Nationally, a heart attack occurs every 25 seconds.

The economic consequences of heart disease in the United States are devas-tating. We spend $167 billion annually on the treatment of CHD. We lose $119 billion annually due to lost productiv-ity. Overall, we spend $286 billion each year on a largely preventable disease.

Mississippi leads the nation in coro-nary heart disease.

CHD accounts for 41 percent of deaths in our state, as compared to 33 percent nationally. More Mississippians die from CHD than from traffi c ac-cidents, suicides, AIDS and all types of cancer combined. The reason we have more deaths from CHD than any other state is that we also have some of the highest rates of hypertension, diabe-tes, high cholesterol and tobacco use. Alabama and Tennessee follow closely behind.

The causes of CHD are well known. 90 percent of CHD is preventable. Most of the risk factors can be modifi ed. The only risk factors that are beyond our control are family history and age. The other risks - high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smok-ing and lack of exercise – are treat-able. Most of these problems can be addressed through self discipline and

medication.Hypertension is present

if your the systolic blood pressure (the top number) is greater than 140mm or your diastolic (the bottom number) pressure is over 90mm. This can be treated by limiting your salt intake, getting on an exercise program and controlling your weight. If these measures are not successful, you will probably need medication to help control your blood pressure.

Elevated cholesterol levels are a bit more complicated. The total choles-terol level should generally be below 200. The good cholesterol (HDL) should be greater than 40 in men and 45 in women. Bad cholesterol (LDL) should be lower than 100, ideally less than 70. Triglycerides need to be below 150. Again, you should fi rst try to lower your LDL cholesterol through a low fat, high fi ber diet and exercise. If does not work, you may need to add a statin or other medication. You can raise your HDL with exercise and weight loss, as well as using vegetable fats, such as canola and olive oil.

Obesity has become epidemic. 66 percent of us are overweight. 36 per-cent are obese. Mississippi has ranked as the most overweight state in the country for the past fi ve years.

Increased weight means an increased workload for the heart, higher LDL cholesterol levels, more high blood pressure, and a greater incidence of diabetes. The primary causes of obesity are eating too many calories and doing too little exercise. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet. There is no “won-der” diet. As you should suspect, the answer to the problem is eating less and exercising more. You must burn more calories than you ingest. Medica-

tions have failed to pro-duce prolonged weight loss. Bariatric surgery is usually a last resort and still requires diet control and exercise.

The incidence of dia-betes has increased along with the rise in obesity. There has been a 200 per-cent increase in diabetes in people under 40 years old, and a 125 percent increase in individuals over 40. Diabetes doubles the chance of develop-

ing CHD. Approximately 65 percent of diabetics die from heart attacks and strokes.

The worse the diabetes, the more severe the heart disease, so recogniz-ing and controlling your diabetes is essential. Diabetics can occasionally be controlled by diet and exercise, but frequently require medication.

It is amazing that 50 million Ameri-cans (21 percent) continue to smoke despite over 50 years of warnings that it is a dangerous habit. Smoking more than doubles the risks of CHD. Smoke-less tobacco also causes an increased incidence of heart disease.

The good news is that when you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease decreases by half the fi rst year. By 10 years, your risk is the same as some-one who has never smoked. Quitting requires a long talk with yourself and a lot of personal fortitude. Several drugs are now available to assist you in giv-ing up tobacco.

We have become a nation of “couch potatoes.” A lack of regular exercise doubles your chance of develop-ing coronary heart disease. Regular exercise reduces your chance of heart disease through several mechanisms. It increases good cholesterol, helps con-trol weight, lowers blood pressure and decreases the incidence of diabetes.

We should all exercise for 30 minutes at least 5 days per week – playing video games doesn’t count. If you already

Doctor’s OrdersMississippi leads nation in coronary heart diseaseMany heart disease risks are treatable

By Dr. James Gilmore, MDFor Lifestyles Magazine


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MISSISSIPPI STATE – This new year of 2013, millions of Americans will resolve to improve their health is by eliminating tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, from their lives.

JuLeigh Baker, health education spe-cialist at Mississippi State University’s Longest Student Health Center, said all tobacco products increase the user’s risks of cancer, heart disease, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She said people who smoke are also sick more often from common colds and take longer to recover from illness and surgeries.

“Smoking is extremely dangerous for expectant mothers and children of par-

ents who smoke,” she said. “It can lead to low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma or cancer.”

In addition to health risks, smoking also has fi nancial ramifi cations, Baker said.

“Pack-a-day smokers spend more than $2,000 a year on cigarettes,” she said. “A person could do a lot of good with that kind of money.”

Baker said the most successful plan for quitting is to combine both medical assistance and counseling.

“This could involve a person using some form of either over-the-counter or prescribed medicine to help with the physical cravings, as well as some form of tobacco cessation counseling,” she said. “Counseling can be done in small groups or a one-on-one basis. There are many wellness centers and hospitals that offer these programs for free.”

She said Mississippi residents can also call 1-800-Quit-Now, a service that offers counseling via phone or email.

Nicotine replacement aids, such as a nicotine patch or nicotine gum, are com-mon over-the-counter treatments, but some people fi nd a stronger, prescrip-tion medication is necessary to kick the habit, Baker said.

“Those trying to quit smoking should speak with their doctor to see what would work best for them based on their medical history,” she said.

Ron Williams, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Food Science, Nu-trition and Health Promotion, said nico-tine is the most addictive component of cigarettes. He is also a researcher with

the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

A study by the University of Minne-sota found that nicotine is as addictive as heroin, 1000 times more potent than alcohol and fi ve to 10 times more potent than cocaine or morphine. Williams said that while nicotine may not be as acutely dangerous as those substances, it is highly addictive.

Another reason people struggle with quitting is because of the behavioral habits that develop. Williams said most people develop smoking rituals that align with daily activities or social situations, which makes it diffi cult for people to face those situations without smoking.

“If a smoker has a cigarette with breakfast each morning or has one each time they get into the car, the brain be-gins to link those behaviors with smok-ing behavior, so it will trigger a desire for a cigarette,” Williams said.

Williams said according to the Ameri-can Cancer Society, only about 5 percent of people actually quit smoking when they attempt to quit without medicine or other cessation programs.

To increase chances for success, Wil-liams said to avoid discouragement.

“We would like everyone to quit suc-cessfully right off the bat, but it is a diffi cult process, so one shouldn’t be discouraged if they relapse,” he said. “There’s a great Mark Twain quote that I always liked, ‘Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.’ Of course it isn’t easy, but it’s important to keep trying to fi nd the method that is best for the individual.”

Kick smoking habits in the new yearPack-a-day smokers spend more than $2,000 a year on cigarettesBy Kaitlyn ByrneMSU Ag Communications

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(StatePoint) In challenging fi nancial times, it can be diffi cult to pay bills to-day, let alone save for the future.

In fact, a recent survey conducted by Lincoln Financial Group found that 72 percent of Americans say that the state of the economy is making it challeng-ing for them to stay on track with their retirement savings.

“With everything that Americans have on their minds today, the economy can weigh heavily on retirement savings de-cisions,” says Chuck Cornelio, president of Retirement Plan Services at Lincoln Financial Group. “But it’s important not to take a break from saving.”

Even if you are already enrolled in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, like a 401(k) or 403(b), there are steps you can take to help better prepare you for retirement.

Here are fi ve tips to help you get you started.

1 Enroll in your employer sponsored retirement plan: Participating in your

employer-sponsored retirement plan re-duces your taxable income today, while helping to build retirement savings for tomorrow. If you don’t know how to get started, contact your benefi ts adminis-trator or human resources department to help you enroll.

2 Consolidate assets: Consolidating your retirement assets into one ac-

count helps to simplify the savings and income planning process and can help your money grow over time.

3 Schedule a retirement plan check-up: Make it a habit to schedule an annual

plan check-up just as you would your health exam. An annual meeting with a fi nancial professional will help you stay on track of goals.

4 Resist the temptation to borrow against your retirement plan: While

the best plans can be impacted by unex-pected events, avoid borrowing against your retirement plan savings. When you

do that, you may miss out on potential returns when the market recovers. All the time you spend paying back the loan is time you’re not making contribu-tions, missing out on the ability for your money to grow.

5 Increase contributions with income boosts: Whenever you receive extra

cash from a tax refund, a bonus, a salary increase or some other pleasant surprise, consider increasing your retirement plan contributions.

Even increasing by a percentage or two can make a big difference in the long run. When you hit the maximum contribution level in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, a fi nancial advisor can help you fi nd the right place to invest additional savings.

Although retirement may seem far off when you are in the middle of your working years, getting on track early and saving steadily can help you fund the lifestyle you want to live in your retire-ment years.

5 tips to boost your retirement readinessFor Lifestyles Magazine

(StatePoint) More seniors than ever before are choosing to stay in their homes as they age.

According to a study by the AARP, only fi ve percent of Americans ages 65 and older live in group quarters like nursing homes.

From narrow hallways to steep stairs, design elements in typical houses can make remaining at home diffi cult in their golden years. However, basic upgrades, like hand-rails and ramps, can go a long way toward making homes safer for seniors. And there are other small senior-friendly changes that can even make homes more environmentally friendly, which can help lower utility bills.

“The aging process can be gradual for some, however others can move quickly from independent living to a cane to a walker,” says Joyce Polhamus, Chair of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Design for Aging Knowledge Community. “You don’t need to completely remodel your home. There are small things you can do now to make it

Making your home senior-friendly can lower billsFor Lifestyles Magazine



At 82, his calendar is busier than that of many half his age.

As president of the Corinth Artist Guild Gallery and with a distinct eye for style,

James “Sonny” Boatman coordinates and hangs exhibits at the art gallery on Cruise Street. He is also active with Corinth Theatre-Arts, serves as an interpreter for the Hispanic community and makes appearances as a jolly bearded fellow around Christmas time.

Since returning to Corinth in the early 1990s,

Cover story — Sonny Boatman

Volunteer wears many hats, stays community activeBy Jebb [email protected]

Above

Sonny Boatman puts out hand-

made jewelry by a local artist at

the Corinth Artist Guild Gallery in downtown

Corinth.

Photos compliments of Sue Elam/On Location Photography

he has operated a downtown business, organized home tours and festivals, advocated historic preservation and helped to launch the art gallery. Honors such as the Spirit of Service Lifetime Achievement Award from The Alliance and The Bob O’Brien Award for long-term volunteer service with Corinth Theatre-Arts have come his way.

If there is a secret to his energy level, it is simply staying on the go.

“I didn’t move back to Corinth to retire and sit in a rocker on the front porch,” said Boatman.

Early years

A Corinth native and Corinth High School graduate, Boat-man enrolled in the Memphis Academy of Arts after high school. War loomed in the Koreas and he would eventually join the Air Force after only about a year at the art academy. After basic training in Selma, Ala., he got orders to head overseas.

“I thought I would probably go directly to Korea,” he said. “As my good luck would have it, I was sent to Tokyo, Japan, where I stayed two-and-a-half years. It was right downtown in Tokyo. It was across a big street and a park from the Imperial Palace. I just walked a few blocks to work each day.”

It was a big experience that made an impression on the young man from Corinth.

“I sometimes say I grew up in Tokyo,” said Boatman. “I was so young and naive. One year of college hadn’t done very much.”

After returning from Japan, he intended to go to art school in New York, but his family wasn’t ready for him to leave again just yet. He worked full time in display at Lowenstein’s depart-ment store in Memphis and eventually returned to college, majoring in interior design. In 1958, attending school on the GI bill, he decided to go to a small school near Mexico City.

“A lot of people were there from Europe and the states,” he said. “That year that I spent in Mexico was very rewarding in that I found the people so helpful and considerate.”

Thinking on how times have changed, he recalled one occa-sion on Christmas break when he and his roommates decided to hitchhike to Acapulco — an excursion that would be danger-ous today.

Back in the states, he was anxious to get to work and took a job with a decorating fi rm in Memphis that had clients such as M.A. Lightman Corp. (Malco).

“They had not only those theaters across the South, they also had some bowling alleys that we decorated,” Boatman recalled.

He was also involved in decorating the old Edgewater Gulf Hotel on the Gulf Coast.

In the big city

In his late 20s, he decided it was time to head to New York City. He arrived with the promise of a job interview at the up-scale Lord & Taylor department store and, through a friend of a friend, an arrangement to rent an apartment on MacDougal Street for $37 a month rather than the normal $150.

Lord & Taylor offered him a job on the fi rst interview, but the pay was low and he kept looking.

“I tried several other places and then I decided maybe I’d bet-ter call and see if that job’s still open,” he said.

Boatman thought his time there would be short before going on to work with an interior designer, but he was there for about 16 years, designing displays inside the store (a separate depart-ment did the window displays).

“The store became a very good learning tool,” he said. “I be-came excited about fashion and fashion display and the people that I worked with. It was an education in itself working with such a great and well-known store.”

He started out as an apprentice at Lord & Taylor’s fl agship store at 5th Avenue and 39th Street but advanced quickly thanks to his prior experience at Lowenstein’s.

“After about 12 years, I became assistant to the director of interior display, and a year later, I became director of interior display,” said Boatman. “For the last part of my time there, I was in charge of a department that was about 24 designers, two carpenters and two painters.”

One of his biggest assignments sent him to Italy to bring back the ingredients for a storewide Florentine promotion.

“One thing that was very risky and quite astounding was a re-production of the statue of David that came in three parts,” he recalled. “I was sweating wondering if it was going to clear our main fl oor because it was just about 6 inches shorter than our main fl oor of the store. It was on the side street laying down

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and people were passing, stunned.”He also ran a small gallery for a time on

Bleecker Street.

Coming home

After about 35 years in The Big Apple, Boatman decided to look for a place with a little slower pace.

“I began to look in upstate New York and nearby little towns in New Jersey, thinking if I was just two hours away from Manhattan, I would still enjoy the museums and the theater,” he said. “But when it turned out the towns I really were attracted to were the ones that reminded me of this town, I decided it was time to come to this town.”

Soon he would open the Boatman Gallery in downtown Corinth near Waits Jewelry.

“I really had intended for it to be an art gallery, but as the time got closer I got cold feet,” he said. “I decided that wouldn’t give enough variety. I made a couple of trips to New York and shopped for special artistic gifts, and it became a gift shop and gallery.”

It opened with a bang before Christ-mas, but the traffi c didn’t hold up as the months went on. An offer was made on the building and he took it, breaking even on the investment.

Although it was short-lived, he was proud of the endeavor.

“Somebody told me that if I would just move into one of those stores on the highway, it really would do some good,” he said.

But, as an avid supporter of the charms of old Corinth, he didn’t want it if it couldn’t be downtown.

Later, he would become one of the founders of the artist guild, which estab-lished an art gallery downtown in 2003. Ten years later, he feels the gallery has done well for the art community but de-serves more attention from the public.

“I feel good about the quality of the work that we’ve been able to get and the number of artists who are interested in showing their work there,” said Boatman. “I still feel sorry that we don’t have more traffi c. People come by and look in the window as though they are afraid to come in. People from out of town come through and are very taken by our gallery and often buy things.”

Making it a success, along with his other volunteer efforts, will likely keep him busy for years to come.

“I’m not ready for that rocker yet,” he said.

Notecards with art by local artists are a popular seller at the guild’s gallery.


“I didn’t move back to Corinth to retire and sit in a rocker on the front porch.”

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McPetersl i

The Troverts are thru-hikers.

Known around these parts as Woody and Cynthia Harrell, the

Corinth couple started their trek along the Appalachian Trail on April 11, 2012 and completed the 14-state, 2,184.2-mile hike on September 25, 2012.

Finishing the trail in one direction in the same calendar year earns the distinction of a “thru-hiker.” Around 18 percent -- 400 or so -- achieved the feat in 2012.

“About 2,500 started out at Spring Mountain, Georgia, half dropped out at the halfway point at Harper’s Ferry, Vir-ginia,” said Woody. “Usually 20 percent go from Georgia to Maine in a calendar year.”

Hikers take on alternate names, usu-ally mirroring a characteristic. Troverts came from a combination of introvert (Woody) and extrovert (Cynthia). Singu-larly they were known as “N” and “X”.

Along the way, the Harrells met some hikers fi nishing their second trek. One of those was accomplishing the feat 42

years after the initial fi nish.“I don’t think they ever thought peo-

ple would do it in a year,” said Woody. “As late as 1960, I’d say less than 1,000 had done it. Now, it’s around 400 per year.”

Talk of conquering the Appalachian Trail dates back as far as the summer of 1975, since they’d fi rst known each other . Living out West, they did short hikes.

“It’s all dry and it’s tough to carry enough water,” said Woody.

The talk of such long and enduring hikes would be put on the back-burner for about 15 years.

“We’ve always loved the outdoors,” said Cynthia. “We started section hikes to see how it worked and what gear we needed. We learned a lot about that and ourselves.”

Three types of hikers tend to make up the trail goers. College age kids who don’t have jobs yet, the 40-ish crowd trying to fi nd themselves or go-ing through a mid-life crisis, or those

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The Hiking Harrells

Corinth ‘Troverts’ complete the entire 14-state, 2,184-mile Appalachian Trail

in one calendar year

By H. Lee Smith [email protected]


Cynthia Harrell crosses a mountain stream during the long journey.

The Harrells hike through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Below them is the park’s famous Skyline Drive.

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retired and able.“The nearly deads,”

laughed Woody.While some fi nish the trail

faster, it usually takes fi ve-and-a-half to six months to go from start to fi nish. The trail was actually 1.7 miles longer in 2012, and the Harrells total of 2,184.2 miles includes only the distance covered on the trail.

The Troverts spent 168 days on the trip, 154 of those hiking the trail. Their short-est day was three miles, with the longest trek coming in at 22.

“We knew what we were getting into,” said Cynthia. “There were some tough days -- both physically and men-tally -- but we never once said ‘let’s go to the house.’”

Tents, shelters along the trail, hostels and houses pro-vided the couple with resting places. Food and water could be found on the trail, often through Trail Angels who left coolers, or by trips into town when the trail met with a road.

“We learned the fi ne art of hitchhiking,” laughed Cynthia.

Before the trip, the pair set two goals -- a hot meal at night and daily washing.

When they had to pick one of the other, cleanliness won out.

“We bathed every night, sometimes buy putting water in something like a bird bath,” said Cynthia. “If we only had enough water to bathe or have a hot meal, we bathed.”

If they didn’t have drink-able water from their trips into different towns or through those left by Trail Angels, they had ways to treat it. Either by fi lter or with

a SteriPEN -- which uses ultraviolet light to destroy microbes. Water purifi cation tablets were also available for an emergency.

Powershakes, Muscle Milk and NIDO -- powered whole milk -- usually provided breakfast. Small cans of tuna or chicken were used for lunch, while numerous nutritional and snack bars provided other foods.

A portable stove provided the nightly hot meal.

“We did the opposite of normal shoppers,” the couple said. “If there was a honey bun with 750 calories and another with 900, we went with the higher.”

“We learned to eat some-thing every hour and drink every thirty minutes,” said Cynthia.

Like with most outdoors men, they had to be careful with food at night by bagging and hanging it out of reach of wildlife. While bears can be a problem, mice were more of a nuisance among the shel-ters on the trail.

Water sources were marked on the guide books that came with the trek. Volunteers clubs, who help maintain the trails much like the Adopt-A-Highway system, would also leave water and other sup-plies at trailheads.

“You had to be careful to have enough water, espe-cially when traveling through places that had been suffer-ing droughts,” said Woody.

Despite the physical and mental demand of the hike, things went rather well for the Harrells. The weather wasn’t a problem and they didn’t have to deal with an infl ux of insects.

“If you’re out during a rainy season, it can be brutal.

Harrells CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

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A by the numbers look at Woody and Cynthia Harrell’s 2012 hike of the Appala-chian Trail.

0 — Venomous snakes encountered.“We would see warning signs from

other hikers,” said Woody. “There have been people bitten, but no one has ever died from a snake bite on the trail.”1 — Trips in a police car. No crime

involved, one of Maine’s fi nest offered the couple a ride into town.3 — Moose sightings ... all live moose

sightings.3 — Shortest distance covered in a day

in terms of miles.4 — Times the two encountered hail.7 — States whose highest peak is

along the trail.8 — Pairs of shoes -- 4 each -- worn

during the long hike.“We went with lightweight shoes that

didn’t last as long because we’d heard the heavier ones could cause blisters,” said Woody.12.92 — Average miles on the trail per

day.

14 — States that make up the Appala-chian Trail.14.18 — Average miles covered on

hiking days.15 — Nights spent in a hostel during

the endeavor.21 — Starting weight of Cynthia’s base

pack, minus food and water.22 — Longest distance -- in terms of

miles — covered in a single day.23 — Starting weight of Woody’s base

pack, sans food and water.25 — Pounds lost by Cynthia during the

endeavor.“We’ve gained a few pounds back,

but we’re trying to keep it off now,” said Cynthia.30 — Pounds lost by Woody during the

14-state hike.32 — Number of nights spent in some-

one’s home.34 — Nights spent in a hotel during the

trip.38 — Nights the Harrells spent in the

many shelters along the trail.“Every eight miles or so you’d come

across a three-sided log shelter for hikers

to use,” said Woody.50 — Nights the two spent in a tent.90.47 — Average miles covered per

week.154 — Hiking days during the near

6-month journey.168 — Total days in the trip.200 — Gallons of Gatorade ingested.2,184.2 — Miles covered on the trail.3,000-5,000 — Daily calorie intake by

each during the hiking days.“You do the opposite for a journey like

this ... you want to take in more calo-ries,” said Cynthia. “We learned to eat something every hour and drink every 30 minutes.”3,500 — Approximate number of photos

taken on the trip. Most were recorded on cell phones as a regular camera added weight to the backpack and didn’t allow for easy posting on their on-line journal.266K — Hits on the couple’s web jour-

nal during their time on the trail.5M — Steps taken by each along the

trail.“Three million of those have the poten-

tial to be disastrous,” said Woody.

The hiking Harrell’s ... by the numbers By H. Lee Smith II [email protected]


Woody and Cynthia Harrell celebrate their

goal of hiking the entire Appalachian

Trail in one calendar year. They are on Mt.

Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine at

the trail’s Northern Terminus.

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One guy had 78 days of rain on his hike,” said Woody. “And in a bad year, you might have to deal with an inch of snow in the Smokey Mountains.”

“Through parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, you couldn’t walk in a normal stride,” said Cynthia. “You were more or less marching. Nothing was easy and you used a lot of energy.”

They did have to endure a major thun-derstorm along the border of New York and New Jersey. Cynthia quickly fi gured out the woods weren’t a good place to be at the time, with trees sounding like they were exploding all around them.

“Cynthia didn’t quite believe me, but I could feel the heat from the lightning,” said Woody.

Day 161 and with about a week re-maining in the trip brought with it the most dangerous stretch, “The 100-Mile Wilderness” through Maine. Just like the “Twilight Zone,” there was a sign post up ahead proclaiming the diffi cult march.

The signage warned of no place to ob-

tain supplies or get help for, you guessed it, 100 miles. Ten days worth of supplies and the proper equipment were suggest-ed for the deep exploration.

Woody compared the overall climb

throughout the length of the trail to go-ing from sea level to the top of Mt. Ever-est 17 times.

“There were a lot of signifi cant climbs,” he said. “Mount Washington (New Hampshire) was the most severe.”

Hikers take care of there own and Cyn-thia was most impressed with the Trail Angels. On some weekends, former hik-ers would set up food and water stations at places where the trail crosses a road.

“There were just so many random acts of kindness,” Cynthia said while trying to control her emotions. “There are just a lot of people who care about the trail and the hikers.”

“That’s something I’ll always remember ... the friendships for life that we made,” she added.

The hike also brought with it some strange and funny moments. The pair emerged from the woods to see a State Trooper brandishing an AK-47. Turns out, a robber had ditched his car on the side of the road and enforcement offi cials believed he had headed into the woods.

Six weeks into the trip, the couple ran into two hikers that began the journey ahead of them. Although they’d never met, the hikers knew of the Harrell -- Troverts through the on-line journal they posted daily.

A six-month trip is one thing, but leaving behind a house, checking the mail and paying bills is another. Enter Ashley Berry, the Harrell’s “Basecamp Manager.”

“She handled all the logistics, drove us to Georgia then her and her husband fl ew out and got us at the end,” said Cyn-thia. “We couldn’t have done it without her and wouldn’t have used anyone else.”

Another trek up the Appalachian Trail might be out of the question. Taking the southbound route would be a big time commitment, according to Woody.

Other shorter -- but more diffi cult -- hikes in California and even Italy have been discussed.

“There are so many other things I’d like to do, but I defi nitely would do it all over again,” said Cynthia. “I say live your dream. There’s nothing you can do if you put your mind to it.”

Harrells CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Woody Harrell rests atop McAfee Knob in Virginia.

Meet & Greet

Magnolia Regional Health Center’s Winter Wonderland at Crossroads Arena

December 8, 2012 • Photos by Steve Beavers

Mrs. Clausel (Lisa Spencer) and Snowfl ake (Kristen Dalton) visit with

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Wonderland on December 8 at the Crossroads Arena.

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(StatePoint) Not all broken bones are just an “accident.”

If slips, trips or falls lead to a bone fracture, it could be a symptom of some-thing much more serious: osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones. If left untreated, over time, the situation could get worse, potentially leading to more fractures, chronic pain, or even disability or early death.

Meet Jeanie Joas, an active woman in her 50s, who walks fi ve miles at a time with weights, does yoga, spinning and hikes recreationally, while supple-menting these activities with a healthy, calcium-rich diet. What she thought were two unrelated accidents three years ago -- breaking her wrist while hiking and later fracturing a bone in her foot skiing -- turned out to be osteoporosis. Given her age, these fractures should have been a red fl ag for her doctors, but there was no recognition of the greater issue.

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Broken bone? It could be osteoporosis


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Meet & Greet

Kimberly-Clark Manager Grover Hardin, above, looks over food boxes before they are delivered. Below, Boy Scout Brantley Grady gives out Kimberly-Clark paper products at the giveaway.

Corinth Rotary Club/Daily Corinthian Christmas Food Basket Giveaway

Crossroads Arena • Dec. 15, 2012 Photos by Mark Boehler

The Alcorn Central High School Beta Club, above, takes part in the food basket giveaway every year and gives a sizeable donation.

Corinth Rotarian Ronnie Sleeper talks to Boy Scouts on how the food boxes are to be dis-tributed.


have heart disease, you need to see your care provider to help you get on the right program.

Taking care of your heart re-quires a commitment from you.

You need to watch your diet, exercise regularly, and abstain from using tobacco products. Your primary care provider can evaluate you for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and diabetes with a physical exam and simple blood tests. They can also advise you about a heart healthy diet and an exer-cise program.

(Dr. James Gilmore, MD, is an

Oxford native and graduate of

Millsaps College and the Univer-

sity of Mississippi Medical Cen-

ter. He is board certifi ed in Tho-

racic and Cardiovascular Surgery

and has a practice at Magnolia

Regional Medical Center.)

fractures, thereby reduc-ing healthcare costs in the process. Get informed by reading the report at www.worldosteoporosisday.org.

❄ Slips and falls are a

common cause of frac-tures. Have your eyes checked regularly, ensure your fl oors are clutter-free and avoid outdoor excur-sions when the weather

outside is frightful.By investing in bone

health, you can prevent painful fractures and big-ger problems down the line.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28Bones

HeartCONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Don’t give up that knowledge

just because someone else is doing the cooking. Ask how your meals are prepared to avoid certain no-no’s like trans fatty acids, which are found in margarine.

❄ Remember to exer-cise each day, whether it’s

exploring a new location on foot, or taking a swim in the hotel pool. Beyond burning calories, endurance exercises are particularly effective at increasing the body’s natural levels of antioxidants, elimi-nating infl ammatory mol-ecules that drive cancer.

❄ Relax and enjoy your trip. Reducing stress can lead to a longer, happier life.

More wellness tips can be found at www.PCF.org.

Just as you would never forget your itinerary at home, don’t leave town without your good habits.

Wellness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

sparingly. Make a layer of diced vegetables (made from 2 zucchini squash, 2 yellow squash, 1 onion, 1 each red, yellow and green bell pepper) Then make a layer of cooked diced ham, turkey or turkey ham. (Do not use processed.) Top with diced mozarella and bake until all is hot or moza-rella has melted.

The diced vegetables can

be kept in the refrigerator in a glass dish. Also cheese can be diced and kept in zip-lock bag for several days.

(This mixture is also good for healthy low-calorie egg-vegetable omelets.)

Whether joining TOPS, Weight Watchers or any oth-er program, eating healthy is not a diet. To work, it has to

become a lifestyle.A healthy, happy, thinner

New Year is my resolution.

(Sue Bronson was production

supervisor for the Daily Corin-

thian for 44 years before her

retirement. She contributes

food columns to the newspa-

per and its sister magazine

publications, Lifestyles Plus

and Crossroads.)

Kitchen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

“Communicate with your family about your fi nancial situation,” Cos-grove said. “Talk about values, needs versus wants, income, expenses and goals. Teach young children about mon-ey and responsibility at a young age.”

A good sale may seem irresistible, but if the sale item is not needed, it is not a bargain.

“Limit spending by looking at what purchases you can avoid,” she said. “Financial health is not about how much you earn, but how much you spend.”

(MSU’s Extension Service has several resources related to fi nancial fi tness at http:// msucares.com/frm. Local family resource management area agents can provide workshops and presentations to groups. For more information, call the county Extension offi ce.)

FinancesCONTINUED FROM PAGE 6is possible to make regular

creative contributions to one’s fi eld while helping to shape its direction.

Such juggling, he says, is necessary in busi-nesses growing ever more competitive because of the Internet.

With over 50,000 books

published weekly in America, even renowned authors are facing steep competition.

“It is hard to get heard and discovered amid less shelf space, short promo-tional spans and an ava-lanche of competition on the Internet,” he says. “If

you want to get noticed, bang the drum as loud as you can.”

Whether you’re starting a new business or rein-venting an old one, sur-vival today means taking exponential leaps, making a splash and staying ahead of trends.

Reinvent CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

2 0 1 32 0 1 3

This event will feature various seminars important to women’s health, including high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, preventative maintenance measures and more. Over 25 healthcare vendors will be on hand with the latest medical products and information.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST, DOOR PRIZES, GIVEAWAYS AND INFORMATION TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE. This event is provided to you at no charge by Magnolia Regional Health Center, but reservations are required.

Febru a ry 15 , 2013CROSSROADS ARENA 8:00 a .m.—12 :00 p .m.

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 10TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S HEALTH CONFERENCE!

SEATING IS LIMITED. TO REGISTER, CALL 662.293.1200, OR REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.MRHC.ORG.


more accessible as the aging pro-cess evolves, while also making it better for the environment.”

Automate to Conserve

One of the best ways to help ensure senior safety is to have a well-lit home. But it sometimes can be diffi cult to reach outlets and remember to turn lights on and off as you move about your house. Installing sensors, so lights go on and off automatically when you enter or leave rooms, will cut back on electricity costs and ensure bet-ter visibility.

As we age, tasks that formerly seemed simple, like water-ing plants, can be diffi cult and energy-consuming. Polhamus recommends setting automatic timers on sprinkler systems to eliminate the need to do this task

yourself, while also helping to conserve water.

Update AppliancesEmptying the dishwasher or

putting a load of laundry in the washing machine, can put a strain on the body. Consider installing newer appliances designed to be more senior friendly.

With newer dishwasher and refrigerator models, you can open doors and drawers between hip and shoulder height, which won’t require reaching up or bending down. Additionally, replacing older appliances with newer, more energy-effi cient appliances can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Or you can place existing appli-ances, like front-loading washing machines, on platforms. An ar-chitect can help you redesign any

room around appliances to make it safer and more senior-friendly.

Seasonal DesignThe majority of heat gain and

loss comes from windows. Elec-tronic curtains can alleviate the burden of repeatedly opening and closing traditional curtains and are more airtight to better keep cold air outside.

If electronic curtains aren’t an option, Polhamus recommends ensuring windows are properly sealed and considering shrubs or bushes outside to act as a buffer against wind and cold air.

To fi nd an architect who can help make your home greener and more comfortable for seniors, visit http://architectfi nder.aia.org/.

With a few updates, you can live in peace knowing your home is designed for aging.

Senior-friendly CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Same Family

1977Since

RAM

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