home, health & more

DENTON RECORD-CHRONICLE 2010 ISSUE 3

10 ways to save big withenergy tax credits, startingwith those old windows

Shineon

Growing up doesn’tmean food can’t be fun!

Eatyourage

2 Home, Health & More September 17, 2010 Denton Record-Chronicle

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Denton Record-Chronicle September 17, 2010 Home, Health & More 3

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RRhhyytthhmm iiss nneeeeddeedd ffoorr mmoorree tthhaann ddaanncciinnggA Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab is coming to Texas Health Denton

IItt''ss aa ggrreeeenn tthhiinnggDon't sweat it if a tankless water heater isn't in the family budget - instead

think colorful no-VOC paints and faucets that save money

EEaatt yyoouurr aaggeeGrowing up doesn’t mean food can’t be fun

SShhiinnee OOnn10 ways to save big with energy tax credits, starting with those old windows

AA ffaarreewweellll ttoo ffllaabbbbyy aarrmmssIf your underarms keep waving long after your hand has finished saying

goodbye, these exercises are for you

LLeett tthhee ggaammeess bbeeggiinnKid’s stuff? Hardly. Playtime for adults heals mind, body and soul

AApppplliiaannccee EECCOOnnoommiiccssHeavy on function, light on the environment, the next generation of appli-

ances takes the guesswork out of energy-efficient housework

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H O M E , H E A LT H & M O R E


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Although dancing yields many of the sameheart-healthy benefits as aerobic exercise, theheart itself performs rhythmic contractions thatpump blood throughout your body. The normalheart is a beating muscle controlled by a well-choreographed electrical conduction system thatdetermines your heart rate and rhythm. Butsometimes, your rhythm needs a little help.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dentonis adding a Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab. Thislab will allow patients with abnormal heartrhythms - or arrhythmias- to receive the carethey require, such as pacemakers and cardiacablation services.

But what is cardiac electrophysiology? It isthe study of the rhythm of the heart, both nor-mal and abnormal. Abnormalities in the heart’selectrical system may lead to conditions that cancause illness; some might even be life threaten-ing.

Normal wear and tear or loss of function ofthe sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker,can usually be treated with a pacemaker.Implanting these safety devices is a commonprocedure so it is likely you know someone whohas one.

When the sinus node doesn’t perform prop-erly, other cells take over its function, causing afaster or slower heart rate. There are a variety oftreatment options available and many of them

offer a cure. They range from medications totracking down actual pathways that are causingthe problems. Once the pathway is mapped in an

Rhythm is needed for more than dancingelectrophysiology study, performed by a special-ly-trained cardiologist called an electrophysiolo-gist, this rhythm can be ablated (interrupted).Ablation options include a radiofrequency sig-nal or cold/cryoablation.

“All types of electrophysiology studies andablations will be performed at Texas HealthDenton. For many patients, these procedurescan provide a permanent cure for arrhythmiaswithout the need to continue taking prescribedmedications,” said Haris Naseem, M.D., electro-physiologist on the medical staff at Texas HealthDenton.

According to the American Heart Associa-tion (AHA), radiofrequency ablation hasbecome the preferred method to treat tachycar-dia arrhythmias, which occurs when the heartbeats too fast (more than 100 times per minute).During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, aphysician guides a catheter into a vein throughthe groin and threads it to the heart. Thecatheter contains a small electrode, and whenphysicians identify the pathway that is causingthe heartbeat irregularity, radiofrequency wavesare used to destroy the abnormal pathway. Cut-ting-edge cryoablation, a process of usingextreme cold to freeze selected cells, may also beused for specific patients experiencing atrial fib-rillation—a rapid, chaotic heart rhythm.

Success rates for cardiac ablation are high,above 90 percent, according to the AHA. And,because the procedure is minimally invasive,patients often return to normal activities withina few days.

Today, the field of electrophysiology providesadvanced options for the diagnosis and treat-ment of rhythm disorders. So, if you are havingsymptoms, palpitations, dizziness or loss of con-sciousness, seek a medical diagnosis and treat-ment. Then, with your doctor’s approval, youwill be ready to rock and roll, salsa or two-step.However you like to dance the night away, atleast your heart’s got rhythm!

About Texas Health Presbyterian HospitalDenton

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dentonis a 255-bed acute-care, full-service hospitalserving North Texas and southern Oklahoma.The hospital’s services include emergency servic-es, medical imaging, surgical services andwomen’s services. An affiliate of the faith-based,nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, TexasHealth Denton has nearly 1,000 employees andmore than 300 physicians on the medical staffpracticing in more than 43 specialties. For moreinformation, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visitwww.TexasHealth.org/Denton.

Dr. Haris Naseem

BBYY TTAANNIIEESSHHAA RROOBBIINNSSOONNCTW Features

The pressure to lighten one’s carbonfootprint seems to increase with everynew batch of green products that hitsthe market. Yet, a major lifestyle shift

isn’t required to be a bit friendlier to the envi-ronment. Armed with the right selection ofhabits, products and a few expert tips anyonecan start living greener today. Here’s an energy-wise head start.

“The mantra of the green living movementis reduce, reuse, recycle and … think in terms ofyour everyday life,” says Antoinette Nue, a greenliving consultant based in Decatur, Ga. “Thereare simple adjustments that you can make interms of everyday living.”

Energy-efficient appliances are a good start-

ing point. While many may be more expensivethan their power-guzzling counterparts, thosewith the Energy Star label should “recover theirinvestment in increased energy efficiencythrough utility bill savings, within a reasonableperiod of time,” according to U.S. Environmen-tal Protection Agency standards.

Nicole Sassaman, interior designer andremodeling specialist, advises green consumersto invest in top-quality appliances and moredurable design elements. “I think people areusing a lot more man-made products,” she says.“I’m also seeing a lot of reclaimed woods, espe-cially in flooring.”

Man-made materials like quartz stone andCaesarStone are great for countertops and costabout the same as granite. Though engineered,they’re mostly composed of the natural mineralquartz and can be recycled.

Nue encourages consumers who are tryingto create more energy-efficient spaces to lookfor products that are “cradle-to-cradle” in termsof being reborn from something else. “It’s notreally enough to be recyclable,” she says. “If aproduct is recyclable, it can also be made from recyclable materials.” Check and compare prod-

ucts to see which contain post-consumer mate-rials that have already been used once or evenmultiple times.

When shopping for green household andcommercial products, Nue suggests checkingfor EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE)label, which indicates that a scientific reviewteam has screened all the product’s componentsfor potential human health and environmentaleffects based on current EPA standards. Also,check for the common natural cleansing mate-rials on the ingredients list, such as bakingsoda, lemon juice and vinegar.

You can even make your own greencleansers, Nue says. Hot water and the com-mon natural substances mentioned before areenough to tackle the common householdchores. One of Nue’s favorite natural cleansersis grapefruit seed extract, which she describesas a powerful antifungal.

A simple change like using an all-naturalcleanser or switching to more energy-efficientappliances can make a difference. And smallupgrades can bode well for energywise livingwithout spending much more green.

©© CCTTWW FFeeaattuurreess


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Wash up: Showerheads and toi-lets aren’t the onlyspots in a bathroomready for an energy-wise makeover. Lookfor the EPA’sWaterSense label onfaucets of every style,including those thathave polished chrome,brushed nickel andtumbled bronze exteri-ors.


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Eat Your AgeGrowing up doesn’t mean food can’tbe fun. Here’s what seniors need toeat to get the most from life

BByy BBeevv BBeennnneettttCTW FEATURESEat more. You probably haven’t read those encouraging

words in a long time, maybe not since your teenyears.

Instead, as a senior you’re admonished to cutback on fat, calories and cholesterol, and it can befrustrating. Health experts are hearing frompatients who don’t know what they can eat any-more.

“One patient said if he followed everyone’srecommendations, he’d just be eating turkey and

fish,” says Dr. Carole Gardner, a geriatrician andchief of the Elder Care Department at KaiserPermanente Georgia, an Atlanta-area health-care provider.

However, that’s not the whole story. There’salso a positive message.

Yes, consume more: more delicious fruitsand vegetables, nutty-tasting whole grains, low-fat dairy products and mouthwatering salmonand tuna.

By adding more of these healthful and flavor-ful foods to your diet, you’ll also increase yourintake of fluids, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids,vitamins D and B12, which are essential to yourwell-being as you age.

Here’s what to add to your table.

CCAALLCCIIUUMMIf you’re 70 or older you should increase your

intake of this bone-protective mineral to 1,200milligrams (up from 1,000 milligrams) everyday. Milk is an excellent source, providing 275 to300 milligrams per cup. Drink and/or use atotal of four cups of milk a day in your cookingand you’re set. But if you were never fond ofmilk you may have a hard time reaching yourgoal through dairy alone.

You’ll also find calcium in fortified orangejuice.

“Take a look at orange juice with [added] cal-cium and vitamin D. You’ll get more for yourmoney,” says Ruth Frechman, a registered dieti-tian and spokeswoman for the American Dietet-ics Association.

You also may want talk to your healthcareprovider about taking a calcium supplement.

DDIIEETTAARRYY FFIIBBEERRAlthough you need slightly less fiber as a sen-

ior, certain medications, dehydration (see water)or dental problems can leave you short. Fortu-nately, fiber-rich foods, which prevent constipa-tion, are readily available and inexpensive. Eatoatmeal for breakfast or choose cold cerealsmade from whole-grains, says registered dieti-tian Dee Sandquist.

Add beans, whole grains, fruits and vegeta-bles to your menus to reach the recommendeddaily intake of 30 grams for men age 51 andolder and 21 grams for women in the same agegroup.


OOMMEEGGAA--33 FFAATTTTYY AACCIIDDSSThis healthy fat is very important as you age,

says Frechman, who’s based in Burbank, Calif.Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids mayreduce your risk of arthritis and maculardegeneration.

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The fish also delivers vitamin B12and protein, giving you more nutrients for yourdollar, according to Sandquist, spokeswomanfor the American Dietetic Association. Sar-dines, tuna, walnuts and flaxseed also provideomega-3 fatty acids, Sandquist says. Cannedbone-in sardines also are rich in calcium, aswell.

Eating fish, especially fatty varieties, at leasttwice a week, is the American Heart Associa-tion’s recommendation. Ask your physicianwhether you should take omega-3 supple-ments.

VVIITTAAMMIINN DDSpend any time in the sun and your body

synthesizes vitamin D. Unfortunately that abili-ty declines as you age, leaving you short of thisessential vitamin that supports bone health andpossibly reduces risk of certain cancers.

Experts currently recommend getting 600International Units, which is also 15 micro-grams a day, if you’re 71 or older (400 IU ifyou’re 51 to 70).

Salmon, mackerel, tuna and fortified milkand orange juice are your best food bets. Get-ting adequate amounts of vitamin D from foodalone may be difficult, say nutritionists, whosuggest taking a vitamin D supplement.

The vitamin is fat-soluble and should betaken with a fat-containing food, such as 1-per-cent milk or a salmon sandwich.

“Don’t take it first thing in the morning ifyou haven’t eaten for a while,” Sandquist says.

VVIITTAAMMIINN BB1122This vitamin, necessary for the formation of

red blood cells, is available in animal products,including meat, fish, milk and eggs. Somebreakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B12.Although the vitamin B12 recommendation of2.4 micrograms a day doesn’t increase whenyou reach your senior years, your body may beless able to absorb the nutrient from food,which could lead to a deficiency.

Talk to your physician about whether you’regetting adequate vitamin B12, Gardner says.

WWAATTEERRWater is more than a thirst quencher. It

helps regulate body temperature and removebody waste. As you age you may become lesssensitive to thirst and dehydrate easily, Gardnersays.

Don’t wait until you’re parched to have a

MORE FOR LESSAlthough older adults need as many or even more of some nutrients than they did in their

30s they have to get those nutrients from fewer calories, say nutrition experts.As a general guideline, trim back 10 percent of calories for every decade over age 50, says

Sandquist.A 49-year-old woman can consume 2,000 calories a day, as long as she’s moderately active.

That drops to 1,800 calories on her 51st birthday, according to recommendations from thegovernment’s 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Getting what your body needs while consuming fewer calories than you did decades agocan be challenging.

Keep a food journal. Note when you’re eating high-fat, sugary snacks and substitute morenutritious options.

And move more. Active women age 51 and up can indulge in 2,000 to 2,200 calories a daywithout gaining weight.

beverage. Calorie-free water is ideal. Add a littlezip to a plain glass of water with a lemon or limeslice, Sandquist says.

Water doesn’t have to be your liquid of choice,but avoid drinks that are high in caffeine, sugaror alcohol. You also can hydrate by eating fluid-

containing foods such as yogurt, grapes, applesand cucumbers, Gardner says.

MyPyramid for Older Adults [see sidebar]recommends drinking at least eight servings ofwater or fluids a day.



BByy DDaawwnn KKlliinnggeennssmmiitthhCTW FeaturesThe sun is a welcomed guest in just about

any room, but over time, it can cause trouble.Sunlight streaming through windows can over-heat a room, raise cooling costs, bleach out fur-nishings and cause glare. Take care whenpiecing together a sun-drenched room so thatits pleasures outweigh the potential problemsand its energy costs don’t overburden familyfinances.

Windows are notorious for throwing awayhard-earned money by failing to create enoughof a barrier between the elements that home-owners want to keep outside of the house andthe amenities that they don’t want to let escape.

Consider 2010 the year of the smarter-than-you window. Energy-efficient windows, shades,insulation, screens and films are quicklybecoming the norm, replacing predecessorsthat have long been slacking on the job. Somewindow accoutrements take the burden entire-ly off homeowners, simply needing to be pro-grammed once and then opening, closing,tilting and shading based off the position of thesun.

Homeowners who buy and install windowsthat will increase their existing primary resi-dences’ energy efficiency by Dec. 31, 2010 willqualify for tax credits at 30 percent of the cost,up to a total credit of $1,500. (See the sidebar

for a complete list of the other residential prod-ucts also eligible for the 2010 tax credit and the2016 tax credit.) Marvin Windows and Doors’Low EII and LoE-366 Glass lines both featurelayers of metallic coating that is designed toreflect or absorb the sun’s warmth and reducethe damage of UV rays. Pella has windowsmade from pine, fiberglass and vinyl that alsoqualify for the tax credit.

Beyond replacing actual windows, there arewindow fashions that can help save the budget,too. “Choose window treatments that help youmanage light better – for example, a wide,white blind that you can tilt up to reflect lightback outside,” says Sally Morse, director of cre-ative services for Hunter Douglas, a maker ofwindow fashions based in Upper Saddle River,N.J.

Levolor’s Accordia Cellular Shades haveEnergy Shield technology that aims to increasea home’s efficiency by controlling light andblocking out the heat on summery days, and bycapturing sunlight while blocking cold air tohelp heat a home on wintry days.

Lutron offers motorized shades that can beadjusted as needed with a remote control. Andsome motorized window shades can be incor-porated into a home’s automation system andprogrammed to open and close throughout theday, depending on the sun’s position. Insulatedshades, like Hunter Douglas’ Duette Architella

honeycomb shades, can more than double theenergy efficiency of a window. Updated screens,like GORE’s inLighten window screens, sharp-en the view and bring 50 percent more lightinto the house.

Windows that let in a lot of sunlight can becovered with clear film that blocks out a per-centage of UV rays. Think of the film as sun-screen, and apply it before you “dress” thewindows.

Draperies should have a white lining tokeep the room cooler. Keep rooms “light, brightand informal,” suggests interior designerAudrey Long of New Hope, Pa. “Stick with nat-ural materials” to complement the sunlightthat filters into a room, she says. Energy-effi-cient windows cut down on energy waste, butthat doesn’t mean you’ll need to forgo cozyafternoons curled up on the couch as the sunstreams in.

Many window treatments are designed tomake the most of sunny rooms by offering UVor glare protection while letting in light andpreserving the view. Hunter Douglas offers Sil-houette window shades, described as a combi-nation between horizontal blinds (the vanes aremade of fabric) and sheers.

When the vanes are open, the sheer panelsblock up to 88 percent of the sun’s UV rays.When closed, the shade blocks 99 percent,Morse says.

ONShine

10 ways to save big with

energy tax credits, starting with

those old windows

Get

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To make the most of a window’s effect on theaesthetic of a room, consider that the sun is aguest that literally bounces off the walls. Thiscan do “funny things” to paint, says RobinSiegerman, owner of Toronto-based SieguziInterior Designs. “It can intensify the color,especially yellow – it can be overpowering. Youshould go a few shades lighter than you other-wise might.”

Textiles are another important considerationbecause solar radiation breaks down dyes andmakes fibers brittle. Consider drapery fabric andupholstery treated with a UV-protective coatingwoven into the fiber. Spray-on products also areavailable for indoor use and for patio furnish-ings.

The amount of UV rays that a window canblock also matters when it comes to photos,paintings and wood furniture and flooring. Theintegrity of these furnishings can be compro-

mised through the years in a room with an out-dated window. Choose glare-free frames andUV-protective glass for photos and wall art.Clear, UV-protective coatings are available forwood, Siegerman says. But again, many are foroutdoor applications, and wood furniture oftendecreases in value when coatings or varnishesare applied.

Periodic recoating is an important part ofhardwood-floor maintenance, in part becausethe coating wards off sun damage – to a point. Ifyou live in the same place long enough, you willprobably pull up the corner of an area rug oneday and find that the wood beneath it is darkerthan the rest of the flooring, which will havefaded. If this is a concern, occasionally rearrangerugs and furniture to expose areas that werecovered so the wood can blend with other partsof the floor as it wears and fades over time.


HOMESWEETHOME

DDeeaaddlliinnee:: DDeecc.. 3311,, 22001100Products eligible for tax credits at30 percent of the cost, up to atotal credit of $1,500. They mustbe “placed in service” in yourexisting primary residence fromJanuary 1, 2009 through Dec. 31,2010: 1) Biomass stoves2) HVAC (central air condition-ing, electric heat pumps, fur-naces and boilers, advancedmain air-circulating fan)3) Insulation4) Roofing (metal roofs, asphaltroofs)5) Non-solar water heaters (gas,oil, propane, electric heat pump)6) Windows, doors and skylights(exterior– storm windows anddoors)

DDeeaaddlliinnee:: DDeecc.. 3311,, 22001166Products eligible for tax credits at30 percent of the cost, with noupper limit; they must be “placedin service” by Dec. 31, 2016:7) Geothermal heat pumps8) Solar energy systems (solarwater heating property, solarelectric property)9) Wind energy systems (residen-tial small wind turbines)10) Fuel cells (residential fuel cellsystems)U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Effi-ciency & Renewable Energy

©© CCTTWW FFeeaattuurreessTo serve and protect: Prevent sunlight from damaging fabrics, paint, floors and furnishings byusing window panes or shades with UV and glare protection.

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A Farewell to Flabby ArmsBByy AAnnnnaa SSaacchhsseeCTW FEATURESIt’s no secret that aging causes the skin to

stretch and sag, especially under the arms. Butthat doesn’t mean resigning yourself to a life-time of long sleeves. Experts agree that somesimple stretching and toning exercises, easilyaccomplished at the gym or at home, can tightenup triceps and get body confidence soaring.

The underarm is such a trouble spot becausewe really don’t use it that much anymore, saysWendy Hernandez, associate fitness manager atHollywood 24 Hour Fitness, Portland, Ore.“Since we don’t do a lot of physical labor the waywe used to, we rarely make the overhead move-ments that work the triceps,” she says. “We tendto put all the work on our biceps and back,which is partially why we have so many backproblems.”

Ashley Borden, a celebrity fitness andlifestyle consultant based in Los Angeles, saysthat if the muscle can’t contract, it can’t beworked. For this reason, Borden suggests start-ing your underarm workout with a foam roller.Massaging your muscles with these dense, foamcylinders helps to loosen and open the fascia –the tight, interwoven fibers that surround mus-cle tissue – increasing blood flow to the area andreleasing tension. For better body alignment,

improved circulation and a good stretch, Bordenadvises rolling forward and back five times alongfour different muscle groups down the body.

Once the muscles are ready to work, Bordenrecommends working the bigger muscle groupsfirst, and then focusing on the small burn.

Start with three sets of 10 push-ups, eitherregular or on your knees, Borden says. Keepingthe belly button in, tush tight and head in-linewith the spine, slowly lower your torso to theground until your elbows form a 90-degreeangle; then raise back up. This move works yourchest, shoulders and abs in addition to the tri-ceps.

Borden then narrows the burn with a moveshe calls “The Ear of Corn.” Lie on your backwith knees bent, belly button in and eyes towardknees. Hold an 8- to 15-pound dumbbell withboth hands as if an ear of corn. Lift the dumbbellabove your head until arms are straight and thenbreak with both elbows and, keeping upperarms straight, extend forearms back. Do threesets of 10-20.

“Your back is significantly more stabilized inthis exercise than with standing extensions orother triceps exercises,” Borden says.

For more targeted moves, Hernandez recom-mends triceps kickbacks and pulldowns.

When performing a kickback, kneel over a

bench with one arm supporting your body, backstraight. Pick up a dumbbell and position yourupper arm parallel to floor. Slowly extend yourarm backward until it is straight, holding at thetop. Slowly return and repeat, then continuewith opposite arm. For toning, do two to threesets of 12-15 reps on each side, at 8 to 10 pounds.

For a pulldown, face a high pulley and graspthe rope handles with an overhand grip. Positionone foot in front of the other and bend slightly atthe hip. Keeping shoulders down and elbowsclose to your body, slowly extend arms down andpull out slightly at the bottom, holding for amoment. Return until forearm is close to upperarm. Again, do two to three sets of 12-15 reps.

As an alternative to triceps dips, try thereverse push-up with a chair. For this move,position yourself as you would for a dip, withyour hands on the edge of a chair behind you,but keep your legs straight and crossed out infront of you. Keeping your elbows in, slowlylower and then return. Do two to three sets of12-15 reps.

All of these moves are easy to do in a gym.Modify them for the home or office with the helpof dumbbells, milk jugs, water bottles or a resist-ance band, if necessary.



BByy JJeeffff SScchhnnaauuffeerrCTW FEATURESThe Fortune 500 CEO was going through a

grim time. His wife was slowly dying. The emo-tional toll of her illness pressed in upon him,threatening to drag him under. Then, one day,he found a way to ease his mind.

“He went out and flew a model airplane,”recalls Dr. Stuart Brown. “He was able to dealbetter with the situation. Then he went out anddid some painting. It gave him hope for his ownlife and the future.”

Brown, who founded the nonprofit NationalInstitute for Play in Carmel Valley, Calif., has col-lected many examples of how play transformspeople’s lives. He believes the prevalence ofdepression, stress-related diseases, interpersonalviolence, addictions, and other health and well-ness problems can be linked to the prolongeddeprivation of play.

“Play is terribly important through the wholelife cycle, particularly in childhood and senioradulthood,” Brown says. “Play is a survival driveof the human species. The side effect of a playfullife is the ability to roll with the punches and sol-dier on.”

“We all need to blow off steam. To bedeprived of play is to become edgy and jittery,”says Dr. Scott G. Eberle of the Strong NationalMuseum of Play in Rochester, N.Y. and editor ofThe American Journal of Play. “But when thepicture is clinical, and isolation adds to the trou-ble, play can be a remedy. For example, nursinghomes have introduced video games for clients

whose mobility is limited and whose only stimu-lation, such as it is, may come in the form ofwatching television.”

What form of play is right for you? Thatdepends on your temperament and physicalhealth, Brown says. Here, Brown, Eberle andseveral other experts suggest some playful activi-ties for the 50-plus generation.

BBOODDYY PPLLAAYYFind a physical activity that you enjoy, such

as hiking, biking, spinning, dancing, or evenwall climbing, Brown says. Choosing any hardphysical activity that will gradually require 80percent of maximum cardiac output has favor-able effects on the hippocampus of the brain,where memory is stored.

“If you get in good enough shape to sustainthat for 30 to 40 minutes, you are going to haveimmediate and permanent new connections inyour brain,” Brown says.

Physically challenging video game systemslike the Nintendo Wii are a playful way to exer-cise. Brown, who is 77, plays tennis on the courtsand on the Wii with his son, while Eberle toutsthe benefits of the Wii and karaoke machines.

PPLLAAYY TTOOGGEETTHHEERR“As you get older, I think you get more isolat-

ed and you cease to venture out because yourfriends have gotten married or passed on andthe problem is loneliness and not being connect-ed to society,” says Linda Carreon, 64, of Sher-man Oaks, Calif.

To combat this, Carreon founded the socialgroup Singles Over 50 Just Want To Have Fun,which has grown to 169 members in just a yearand features a variety of playful activities, fromhiking to walking to museum visits.

If joining a social group is too intimidating,consider inviting a few friends or family over fora game night of bridge or poker. You might evenwant to host a casino night, like Nash does atONEgeneration, complete with non-alcoholicbeer.

PPLLAAYY BBAACCKKFinally, think of the activities you enjoyed as

a child. For those who loved getting dirty as akid, the garden may be the place to play. If youloved singing, join a choir. If you loved animals,adopt a playful pet.

“Even if they have lost playfulness in them-selves, most people can recall moments that theyhad a joyful experience that was playful,” Brownsays. “Hook into the state of play that you onceknew was a part of your life.”

At ONEgeneration, Nash says the nonprofitdaycare center partners children with the elderlyin playful activities such as puzzles, memorygames and animal sounds bingo, which benefitscognitive thought and encourages children toplay.

The important thing to remember, Blatnersays, is that whatever you choose to play, it doesnot have to be perfect. You can make mistakes.


Let the

GamesBegin

Kid’s stuff? Hardly. Playtime foradults heals mind, body and soul


ECOnomicsAppliance

Heavy on function, light on theenvironment, the next genera-tion of appliances takes theguesswork out of energy-efficienthouseworkBBYY AANNNNAA SSAACCHHSSEECTW Features

In today’s increasingly eco-conscious world,manufacturers are churning out “green”appliances faster than one of those new-fangled high-speed trains.

While that’s good news for the environment,all these options can get a little overwhelmingfor the consumer. Sure, the goal is to saveenergy and water, but homeowners and apart-ment dwellers alike also want their appliancesto be efficient, reliable, affordable and lookpretty darn slick.

It’s a lot to ask, but, luckily, this isn’t a one-person train. Here, actual green designers,architects and homeowners weigh in on someof newest, most practical and just plain inter-esting products in the three most appliance-heavy rooms in the house.

TTHHEE KKIITTCCHHEENNIf a choice has to be made, ditch the refrig-

erator first – it’s on 24-7, making it the biggestenergy vampire in the house. Models with theEnergy Star label use at least 20-percent lessenergy than current non-qualified models, cut-ting energy bills by $165 over the lifetime of arefrigerator, says Maria Vargas, a spokes-woman for the Energy Star program.

To optimize savings, purchase the smallestrefrigerator that will work in a given space(ideally 16 to 20 cubic feet), skip the automaticice-makers and opt for a top-mounted freezer,which uses 10- to 25-percent less energy thanbottom-mounted or side-by-side versions.Amana has a new version of top-mountedfreezers in stylish colors like Green Tea andMidnight Blue. The Whirlpool Latitude bot-tom freezer with French doors features theMeasured Fill system, which dispenses theexact amount of water in cups, liters or ounces,an industry-first.

As for dishwashers, ones made before 1994

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cost an extra $40 a year on utility bills, com-pared to newer Energy Star models. Bosch isknown for making stainless steel dishwashersthat are not only energy and water efficient, butalso elegant and remarkably quiet, which iswhat appealed to architect Matt Kirkpatrick,principal designer for Portland, Ore.-basedDesign for Occupancy. When he and his girl-friend, Katherine Bovee, recently built theirown home, they selected the BoschSHX55M05UC. “We have a compact house(704 square feet of living space),” Kirkpatricksays, “so if we had installed something noisier,it would have made our living room unusableevery time we ran a load of dishes.”

For a large family, try the new Asko XXLdishwashers instead – they boast a new four-rack-and-seven-basket configuration, and arestill Energy Star-certified.

Kirkpatrick and Bovee, however, went withBosch again when selecting their cooktop,specifically the newer and more affordableNIT3065UC induction model, which is moreenergy efficient than both gas and electric –magnetic fields heat only the pot, so far less

energy is lost. The Kenmore Elite 30” 4280 iscomparable in cost ($1,500 to $1,700), whileViking models ring in at $3,000-plus.

TTHHEE BBAATTHHRROOOOMMReducing water usage in the loo is key to avoidingflushing hard-earned dollars down the toilet – lit-erally.

New to the United States in 2009, theCaroma Profile Smart features a 1.28/.8 dualflush (press one button for solid waste andanother button for liquid waste) and has a sinkintegrated into the top of the tank – every timeit flushes, clean water is automatically cycledthrough the faucet for hand washing and thendrains into the tank for the next flush.Kirkpatrick and Bovee selected this model fortheir tiny bathroom because it saved space andmoney by eliminating the need for an addition-al sink.

Although toilet/sink combinations are com-monplace in Europe, Australia and Japan, mostAmericans are only now becoming acquaintedwith them. But there are even more avant gardeoptions.


10% OFF SERVICE CALLPresent this coupon at time of service for discount

In a Sun-Mar Excel composting toilet, liquidwaste is evaporated and carried back to theatmosphere through a vent system, while solidmaterial is converted into a nutrient-rich fertil-izer that is perfectly safe to use in flower beds.The whole process is odorless and reducesoverall water use by up to 50 percent. “Plus,they can be installed anywhere, as they don’trequire plumbing or a septic system,” saysSusanna Schultz, events and outreach manag-er for Ecohaus, a home building supplier withlocations in Seattle, Portland, Ore., and SanFrancisco.

But if that’s a bit too green for the familybathroom, American Standard, Kohler andToto also make cutting-edge commodes. “I likeToto’s new Aquia Wall-Hung Dual-Flushmodel because it’s both affordable and chic,”says Kirsten Flynn, principal designer for theBay Area-based interior design firm,Sustainable Home. Or, consider the BrondellSimple Flush -– it attaches to an existing tankand converts it into a dual flush for less than$100.

TThhee LLaauunnddrryy RRoooommWhen it comes to selecting a washing

machine, look for machines with customizablecycles, water levels and temperatures, as wellas the Energy Star, WaterSense and HighEfficiency labels. In general, front-loadingwashers are more efficient and easier onclothes, although, some top-loaders, such asthe Whirlpool Cabrio and Maytag Bravosseries, also get high marks from ConsumerReports’ GreenerChoices.org, one of Flynn’sfavorite resources for product recommenda-tions.

Among front-loaders, standouts include theGE Profile with Steam, which can pair with aSmartDispense pedestal that holds up to sixmonths of detergent and fabric softener, auto-

matically dispensing the right amount for eachload. Or, if getting the most wear and least tearout of those designer jeans is the goal, try oneof Miele’s Energy Star machines. Their patent-ed Honeycomb drum is designed to create athin cushion of water that cradles clothes as itrotates, preventing friction and snagging sothat fabrics can last up to four times longer.This technology has been available on selectmodels since 2002, but was recently added tothe entire range, says Paul McCormack, aspokesman for Miele.

Energy efficiency among dryers is not signif-icantly different, however, gas dryers are gener-ally cheaper to run and create only about 40percent as much carbon dioxide as electric dry-ers. The Maytag Performance SeriesMGDE200XW has a special cycle to preservedenim, and the futuristic GE Profile HarmonySeries DPGT750GC features the CleanSpeaksystem. When the washer is opened to removethe load, it automatically presets the dryingcycle and temperature for the dryer via a serialcable.

But if space is an issue, the best bet might bea washer/dryer combo, such as the all newEnergy Star-certified LG WM3987HW whichruns on standard voltage electricity, doesn’trequire venting and fits in a closet.Commonplace in Europe, washer/dryer com-bos are often hard to find in the United States.But now Clackamas, Ore.-based Splendide(known for making combos for RVs) has also

started making units for the home.

TThhee GGrreeaatt DDeebbaatteeDebating whether it’s time for an old appli-

ance to go? Hook it up to a P3 Kill A Wattenergy monitor, which can quickly determinethe efficiency of any 120 VAC machine, Schultzsays. In the long term, replacing outdatedappliances with green ones is both budget andenvironmentally-friendly – as long as the oust-ed appliances don’t end up in landfills. Call theGoodwill or Habitat for Humanity to find out ifthey’ll take old items, or log onto Earth911.comor EnergyStar.gov to find out how to recyclethem.


Secret service: Keep clothes in wearing condi-tion longer with washers that put less stress onfabrics, preventing snags and rips.

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P3 Kill A Watt


The secret gardenGreat gardens are rooted in an

‘only the strong survive’ mental-ity. Here’s how to prepare for aharvest that will be worth the

time, energy and money spent

BByy JJeeffff SScchhnnaauuffeerrCTW FeaturesEver dream of being “that” neighbor? The

one with a garden that’s the envy of the neigh-borhood, brimming with enough seasonalcrops to feed the whole ZIP code and still hav-ing plenty for family meals. The one whoseems to have magical dirt that can yield asmall harvest on an even smaller budget.

Here’s how to create an efficient garden outof any outdoor or indoor space and pinpointwhich fruits and vegetables are worth thetime, energy and money spent. Read on fortips about the most forgiving, most prolific,most versatile and, of course, most deliciousvarieties.

TToommaattooeess“Tomatoes are the No. 1 garden crop in the

United States for great reasons,” says RhondaMassingham Hart, the Deer Park, Wash.-based author of “The Dirt Cheap GreenThumb” (Storey Publishing, 2009). They arerelatively easy to grow, beautiful, delicious,bountiful and loaded with nutrients –lycopene when cooked, vitamins A and Cwhen raw.”

Tomatoes can be used in everything fromsalads to shish kabobs, Hart says. Some, likeRoma, are thick and meaty and just right forsauces, while others, like Red Currant, aresweet and tiny, just right for snacking.

And while tomatoes can grow just aboutanywhere, including upside down, Hart says“they do best in deep, beautiful soil – rich inorganic matter, well balanced in nutrients(including calcium, a deficiency of which canlead to the dreaded blossom end rot).” Soil

should retain mois-ture yet drain well,Hart says, whoprefers to grow hertomatoes in raisedbeds of generouslyamended organic soil.

SSqquuaasshhJust how easy is it to

grow squash or zucchi-ni?

“The beginning gar-dener will buy a sixpack, plant them alland their neighbors willslam their doors in herface because she tries togive it all away,” laughsYvonne Savio, commonground garden pro-gram manager with theUniversity of CaliforniaCooperative Extension program in Los AngelesCounty. Squash comes in several varieties, fromyellow crookneck to the traditional green zuc-chini, and are “just naturally prolific,” Saviosays. Plant three or four seeds every monthbeginning in April or May to “have one or twosquash a week for the entire summer,” Saviosays. And while zucchini can be used in every-thing from salads to ratatouille, the biggestyield comes from baking it into zucchini bread.

SSppiinnaacchh “New Zealand spinach is a perennial spinach

and ground cover and is best in the ground,”says Christopher Nyerges of Los Angeles, co-founder of the School of Self-Reliance and gar-dening author. “It is not difficult to grow, whichis why I grow it. It is perennial, so I am able tocollect some year round. I’ve been collectingfrom the same expanding patch for about 20years. I use it as I would use regular spinach, insalads, soups and with eggs.”

AAssppaarraagguuss “Asparagus is great because it is perennial,”

Nyerges says. “Plant it in appropriate soil, goodsun, proper irrigation and there will be aspara-gus shoots every spring for maybe 50 yearsfrom one patch.”

To save a little time, energy and expenses,Nyerges suggests first deciding what will geteaten. Before planting, make a list of the veg-etables and fruits that the family enjoys. “Thencircle all those on that list that are ideal in theneighborhood,” Nyerges says. “Maybe a specificvariety is [the best fit].” To determine the properplanting techniques, contact a local nursery foradvice and buy a book on gardening.

It’s survival of the fittest in Nyerges’ garden.The fruits and vegetables that can survive withminimal care are the ones he keeps around; themore high-maintenance plants die off but thatjust makes for a stronger garden. “I then culti-vate and work on the survivors,” he says, “hav-ing a garden that is very productive with verylittle work.”

FFiigg TTrreeeess“They are

really forgiv-ing,” Saviosays.“[Gardeners]can chop theheck out of afig tree and itwill still putout fruit. It has two fruiting cycles. That is thetree I encourage people to play with if they arejust getting into the fruiting. A good tree not toget overwhelmed with doing it right or wrong.”

SSttrraawwbbeerrrriieessStrawberries are easy to grow, both in beds

in the ground or in a variety of container types,from strawberry jars to hanging baskets, Hartsays. “Some varieties, called Day Neutral vari-eties – Tri-Star is one example – will produceall summer long,” she says. “Others, calledEverbearing types, will have one big flush inmid- to late-June, followed by a second latesummer crop. And June bearers will splurgealmost all of the berries in June for a singleharvest – a best fit for those who intend to canor freeze.”



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