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The Benefits of Reading and Lifelong Learning EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS
Our learning journeys don’t necessarily end after graduation, whether it be with a high school diploma or a Ph.D. While it may be easier to pick up new skills when we are younger, that does not mean we become old dogs who can’t learn new tricks. Our brains don’t stop developing until our mid to late 20s. Our cognitive ability is more resilient than you may realize. Studies show that older adults often outperform younger adults when it comes to mental capacity and verbal working memory. Setting aside time to focus on learning and developing new skills is difficult, but it can benefit your health! Power of Learning It’s more than conjecture to say learning is beneficial. According to data published in Ageing & Society, older adults’ participation in learning activities boosts their psychological well-being. Learning has been shown to improve
Science and Technology have discovered that reading helps develop abilities like episodic memory, allowing us to recall previous events better. It also helps improve our mental capacity, allowing us to keep track of more information at any given time. Studies show it is an ideal getaway from a difficult day to help lower blood pressure and decrease stress. Kickstarting Our Learning One theory explaining why some adults suffer diminished cognitive abilities as they age is that they have stopped engaging their minds. Our brain is like a muscle; just like our other muscles, it begins to atrophy if we do not exercise it regularly. If we interrupt our learning journeys and become complacent, not seeking new skills and experiences, our mental ability will decline. This is true for both the old and the young. Many children forget their school lessons over long summer breaks, after all. This does not mean we have to reengage with
neuron generation and the number of connections in our brains, improving our attention span and critical thinking skills. Moreover, engaging in intellectually intensive activities,
formal education to exercise our minds, but it does show the belief that aging diminishes our ability to learn is partly misguided.
like learning a new language or solving puzzles, can offset the development of cognitive afflictions, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Importance of Reading Reading is one of the most important and effective methods of information gathering, in addition to being an excellent source of entertainment and wonder. To top it all off, it helps improve our memory. Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced
The more we learn, the easier and quicker it becomes. Many great writers and artists do their best work as they age, and the same can be true for you. Taking the time out of your day for intellectual self- improvement can improve an array of cognitive abilities and help make life an incredible journey of discovery and self-improvement. Push yourself and see how much you can learn and grow. Age is not a factor!
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Tips for a Successful Summer Hike GET TRAIL-READY
If prepared for the elements, you can enjoy hiking year-round. But if you embark on a trail in the extreme heat without the means to handle it, you place yourself on a perilous path. Heat, unlike
while on the move. To reduce the risk of painful sunburns, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin areas. Additionally, take a break every 40 minutes to reapply sunscreen as needed. Avoid heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is the preamble to heat stroke, and its symptoms include headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and copious amounts of sweating. If you experience these symptoms, seek out rest and shade immediately; it’s a surefire sign you need to lower your body temperature. Once you stop sweating altogether, you should start worrying because that is a symptom of a life-threatening heat stroke! Choose the proper path and attire. When hiking in the summer, it’s best to pick a path with ample shade. Alternatively, you can hike in darkness. Night hikes, illuminated by headlamps and flashlights, are a great way to escape the summer heat and experience the trail like never before. If you want attire that reduces your temperature and provides more protection, try wearing UPF-rated clothing to block harmful rays. Picking the right time, place, and attire can help ensure your summer hike is a scorching success!
cold, cannot be mitigated by simply bundling up. From maintaining proper hydration to donning the proper attire, here are three
tips to ensure your summer hikes are safe and enjoyable!
Remember hydration and sunscreen. Staying hydrated is key in any season, but it is especially vital when the summer heat beats down on you! Pack extra water for your hike and have water in your vehicle after you finish. If you are tired of lugging around extra water bottles, a hydration pack can help you carry extra H 2 O hands-free and take sips
FLUFFY’S HEROIC DEED SAVES A VETERAN
In 2020, Ron Williams, a Korean War veteran in his mid-80s, lived alone. His only lifeline was his Life Alert, a small device designed to alert healthcare officials if an emergency occurred. That was until he was gifted a black-and-white spotted cat named Fluffy. From the moment they met, it was clear the two would make a perfect pair. But what Ron didn’t know was that he had been given more than a companion — he had been given a savior. Feline Friend While Ron did not have many people to talk to, he did have Fluffy. The two shared mostly one-sided conversations, likely interspersed with the occasional meow. Whenever Ron received a call on his cellphone, he got in the habit of saying, “Ring-a- ding.” While the two shared a deep bond, Ron never considered that Fluffy was actually listening.
the bathroom floor. At just past midnight the next day, Ron had an idea. Fluffy had wandered into the bathroom to check on his friend.
“Ring-a-ding,” Ron told him, and Fluffy knew to retrieve his phone and bring it to him. Ron was able to call for help in time to save his life. Fluffy’s quick thinking prevented tragedy. This heroic act is a great reminder that our pets care — and listen — more than we may ever give them credit for.
“I just fell in love with him,” Ron said of Fluffy in an interview with FOX17 in Michigan. As it turned out, Fluffy loved him back.
Fluffy to the Rescue One fateful day, at around 8 a.m., Ron slipped and fell on his way out of the shower. He landed on his arm, which became pinned under him. His Life Alert, which he had relied upon for situations like this, was charging in the other room. His cell phone, his only other means of calling for help, was on the bathroom counter, out of reach. The hours ticked away, and Ron lay in agonizing pain on
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Host a Summer Barbecue For Everyone GRILL AND CHILL
Enjoying your own party can be more complicated than it sounds. Backyard barbecues are a high point of summer, but hosting one you enjoy with your guests requires planning. “If swimming is on the agenda, consider protecting new or light-colored indoor furniture with water-resistant covers so guests in wet swimsuits can sit wherever they want without stressing out their host,” says Calla Quinn, a TikTok influencer who recently posted tips on hosting up to 50 friends at your home. Another tip she shares is using of portable misting fans in dry climates. These devices create a fine mist to refresh passersby in seconds, and they are especially popular on patios and decks.
If attendees offer to bring something, don’t hesitate to accept, and be specific about what you want — from lawn chairs to beach towels. Martha Stewart recommends having a stain remover on hand to manage stains and cloth towels that guests can use to wipe up spills. Expert hosts also recommend a self- serve bar for casual summer gatherings. Consider filling several 3-gallon drink dispensers with popular options. Depending on your guest list, you might offer family fare such as lemonade, iced tea, ice water, or premixed cocktails like strawberry vodka lemonade or passion fruit margaritas. Martha Stewart suggests allowing amateur mixologists to concoct their own beverages by setting out bottled juices, artisanal sodas, and kombucha.
“I am a European citizen in the Green Card process to live in this great country for life. However, a stupid decision I made two years ago put all that at risk. I was told Bret Alexander and his firm is the place I should go, and I am glad I did, even if it looked expensive at first sight. Now, two years later, I know it was worth every single cent. He was on my side when I needed him and answered every question I had, clearly and understandably. I can’t imagine anyone else who would have gone that deep into a case to help me, and he knew how to do it. He found and saw things wrong in my case I would not have even thought about. The judge said, “You got the deal of the year,” which says it all. And YES I DID. I can’t thank them enough for doing so. My recommendation is very simple — if you need a 100% professional lawyer when it really matters and your future is on the line, don’t look any further. This is your BEST CHANCE to get close or even get the result you want.” –W.K. What Our Clients Are Saying A stylish yet simple way to serve hors d’oeuvres and side dishes to complement your grilled entree is to assemble or have catered a charcuterie board. These feature finger foods such as meats, cheeses, olives, spreads, fruits, nuts, chips, and crackers. A fully stocked charcuterie board adds a decorative touch while keeping guests well-fed for hours, adding what Quinn calls “a real wow factor.” And to make sure your day ends well, look for disposable, compostable bamboo or wooden dishes. Searching for “eco-friendly tableware and cutlery” should turn up some good options. This one last detail can go a long way toward supporting sustainable living while ensuring you don’t spend any valuable party time cleaning up broken glass or washing dishes.
This recipe is packed with protein-rich quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner! Quinoa Veggie Bowl
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1 cup diced zucchini • 1 cup diced mushrooms • 1 tsp dried oregano • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 cups cooked quinoa
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. 4. Add the cooked quinoa and mix thoroughly. 5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Why Reading and Learning Are Essential for Growth Your Guide to Preparing for Summer Hikes How a Cat Saved an Army Veteran in Need Tips for a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue Quinoa Veggie Bowl Testimonial Honor Independence Day With Joy and Pride PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 4
Unleash the Spirit of the Fourth of July
Are you prepared for the ultimate summer celebration? The Fourth of July is just around the corner, prompting the need to plan fun-filled activities. Thankfully, many exciting activities can help you embrace your red, white, and blue fever. Whether you love classic cookouts, outdoor games, or a peaceful getaway, you have endless options for our most patriotic holiday. Here are six fun activities to try this Fourth of July. Create a patriotic playlist. Set the tone for this exciting holiday by making a playlist of your favorite and most popular tunes! You can add anything to your playlist, from pop hits like “Firework” to the national anthem. Add whatever you think will get your guests feeling the holiday spirit. Celebrate in a small town. With vibrant farm stands and lively parades drawing in locals, America’s small towns offer an unforgettable Fourth of July experience. If you are considering a holiday escape this year, it is the perfect time to explore some of the finest small towns in your state for a truly memorable celebration. Plan patriotic outfits. Wearing fun and festive outfits on this holiday is an exciting and creative way to showcase your national pride and add
flair to your celebrations. Incorporating red, white, and blue into your attire will show your spirit for any Fourth of July celebration!
Try square dancing. Square dancing offers a lively and entertaining way to embrace American heritage and culture. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a beginner, square dancing can be a fun and exhilarating experience. Play a game of water balloon toss. Water balloon games offer a refreshing and exciting way to beat the heat while engaging in outdoor fun with family and friends. Choose red, white, and blue balloons to make it more patriotic! The possibilities are endless when you get your loved ones together for a friendly competition.
Go camping in your backyard. Going camping in your backyard is a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the great outdoors without being far from home! Set up a tent, roast some marshmallows over a crackling fire pit, and stargaze under the open sky to create the most authentic camping experience right in your backyard. Be sure to fly an American flag at your “campsite.”
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