Plan. Protect. Preserve.
OFFICES: Brighton | Bloomfield Hills | Livonia | Novi
SAVOR THE FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER BEFORE THE SCHOOL BUS IS BACK ON THE STREET
When I was growing up, I always thought of the end of summer as bittersweet. Half of me wanted to spend as much time as possible shooting hoops in the driveway, playing tennis, and swimming; the other half was excited to get back to school and see my friends. I also remember trying to stay up as late as possible during August, because I knew it wouldn’t be an option come September. That’s definitely a trait I’ve passed on to my kids. My most memorable first-day-of-school experience occurred when I started first grade. Up until that day, I was the center of the universe, or at least that was what I thought. As an only child, I was used to being the sole focus of my parents’ attention. In short, I didn’t realize that the world was full of other kids just like me. When I arrived at first grade, I was in for a big surprise. There were other boys named Chris in a class of 26. Turns out I wasn’t even the only Chris in my town, let alone in the whole world. This year, Ryan will be entering third grade, so he’s pretty used to the back-to-school routine. Madison, on the other hand, will be making the big move to kindergarten. She’ll be at the same school as her brother, so hopefully he’ll help show her the ropes, from riding the bus to navigating the cafeteria. While they’re both eagerly awaiting school time, I think Maddie is even more thrilled than Ryan. Kindergarten, in some sense, is the start of “real”
schooling, and I’m very relieved she’s looking forward to it. In fact, I’m probably more nervous than she is. Before they hop on the bus, Maddie and Ryan will be heading off to summer science camp at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Some kids might regard science camp as punishment, but they both love it. I guess I should count my lucky stars on that front! They always come back with a ton of cool projects to show off and a wealth of knowledge to share with us. Given how important the understanding of math and science is to future generations, getting the kids excited about learning these topics has always been important to Rochelle and me. Thankfully, they don’t need much encouragement.
We’ve even turned Cranbrook-style projects into year-long activities with a little help from Kiwi Crate. If you’ve never heard of the company, they create science-based projects you can do at home with your kids. Last month, for instance, we made little mice weighted with marbles and a ramp to shoot them down. The kids got to learn about physics while having a blast. There have been times while playing with the crates when I couldn’t help but think, “Man, I would’ve loved this as a kid.” If you have children, I definitely recommend checking it out. I hope everyone enjoys as much of the summer as they can before school season gets up and running again. I’ll certainly be doing my best to grill and chill as much as possible while the weather is still nice. Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll be grilling even after the snow starts to fall.
“Before they hop on the bus, Maddie and Ryan will be heading off to summer science camp at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Some kids might regard science camp as punishment, but they both love it. I guess I should count my lucky stars on that front!”
– Christopher J. Berry
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but your body is doing the same thing during the entire workout. This makes it a closed-skill sport. The same goes for swimming; you might have different strokes to choose from when you jump in the pool, but your brain is focused on repeating the action while doing your laps. Open-skill sports require players to respond to unpredictable circumstances in unpredictable ways. Fencing is a great open-skill sport because, while you have to learn the right way to hold the saber and move your body, you also have to think on your feet and react quickly to your opponent’s attacks. Researchers from the Foro Italico University of Rome believe that it’s the required adaptability that makes open-skill sports so good for your brain. You challenge your body with complex motor movements and your mind with fast decisions. In the study from PSE, the researchers reported that “the open-skill athletes used less brainpower to do the same thing than the closed-skill exercisers did.” WHAT’S THE BEST OPEN-SKILL SPORT? If fencing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other great open-skill sports, including tennis, badminton, basketball, and racquetball. What are you waiting for? Swing by your local rec center and find out what open-skill sport will be your new favorite pastime! WANT TO IMPROVE BRAIN HEALTH? GRAB A SWORD! The Benefits of Open-Skill Sports Every year, more than 600 communities across the country take part in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. These Walks help raise awareness and donations for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. We are honored to support this incredible organization and hope you will join us on our mission this year. Last year, our team raised over $10,000, with many donations coming from our wonderful clients. Chris is a member of the board for the Brighton Walk and helped to raise more than $137,000 in total. We want to do even better for 2018. Our fundraising goal for the Brighton Walk is $160,000, and we’re hoping to enroll at least 1,000 participants this year. To do that, we need your help. This year’s walk will be held on Sept. 29. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Bright Mill Pond. We’d love for you to contribute in any way you can, whether that’s by donating or signing up to participate. You can go to AlzElderCare.com to join our team. All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and every little bit helps. In closing, we want to thank everyone who’s helped us support the Brighton Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the past and everyone contributing to our efforts this year. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s make 2018 the best year yet for the Brighton edition of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Did you know fencing is making a comeback? No longer just for heartsick gentlemen of the Regency era, fencing is increasingly being taught in public schools, displayed in the pages of popular indie comics, and practiced among seniors. Plenty of baby boomers are picking up swords, or “sabers” — and it’s not because they’re preparing to fight dragons. Exercise is important no matter your age, but some activities are more beneficial than others. Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise (PSE) suggests activities defined as “open-skill sports,” like fencing, can do more to improve brain health than “closed-skill sports.” OPEN OR CLOSED? The difference between an open-skill sport and a closed-skill sport lies in the dynamic nature of the activity. Going for a jog is great for your heart health,
SUPPORT THE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S
Join Us in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Because we work with families planning for later-life issues, battling Alzheimer’s is a cause near and dear to our hearts. Alzheimer’s and dementia are conditions we have to confront daily. We are dedicated to helping families affected by these conditions, and we do everything we can to raise awareness and promote research. One of the ways we work toward achieving this goal is through sponsoring the Brighton Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
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SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR ELDERLY LOVED ONES
Enjoy the Sunshine Without Fear
We’re right in the middle of summer,
Keeping a watchful eye on your loved ones and looking for signs of distress will help avoid any major issues. During the hotter months, you need to check on elderly individuals to make sure they are drinking enough water and have access to air conditioning. When you head outdoors, bring plenty of water and look for somewhere to sit in the shade. Also, make sure that your older relative applies sunscreen and wears a hat and protective glasses when outside. If you observe any signs of heat-related illness, get your loved one to an air- conditioned environment as soon as possible. If you’re traveling with your older relatives this summer, there are a few additional measures worth taking. Be absolutely certain that anywhere you’ll be staying or visiting has walkways that your loved one can navigate without undue trouble. Keep a list of medications that need to be taken and ask for duplicate prescriptions in case anything goes missing. Consult with your loved one’s physician to make sure they are able to come on the trip without any risk of injury or illness. Finally, even when you’re not spending time with your elderly loved ones, you should check up on them frequently. Ensuring that they’re taken care of will give you peace of mind even when you’re far apart.
at the apex of family reunion and vacation season. Spending time in the sunshine with your loved ones is great fun, but it can also be challenging for older generations. A little awareness and a few precautions will make sure your outdoor get- togethers are enjoyable for your entire family, no matter their age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults over 65 are more prone to heat-related illness. The increased risk comes from many factors, including our bodies being less able to adapt to temperature changes as we age. Additionally, many seniors have pre-existing conditions or take medications that inhibit their ability to cool off.
Chris’ Paleo Corner:
GRILLED LEG OF LAMB
Thank You!
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine.
For us to be able to help family and friends just like you, we depend on referrals.
This recipe is the perfect centerpiece for a late summer cookout or an easy family dinner.
Thank you to the following people for your support!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. On a large cutting board, cut between the muscles on the leg of lamb to divide into 4 pieces, pulling apart with your fingers if need be. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Add lamb and toss to coat. Marinate for 4 hours at room temperature. 3. Heat grill to medium-high. Season lamb with salt and pepper and grill until lamb reaches an internal temperature of 130 F (medium rare). Cook time will vary depending on size of lamb pieces. 4. Let lamb rest, covered with tin foil, for 15 minutes. Slice thinly and serve.
• 1 4–5-pound boneless leg of
Peter Ansbro, Jr. Sharon Setter
Craig Muhn Kenneth Watterson Maryellen Henrickson
lamb, not butterflied
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 8 cloves garlic, smashed and
Don Cortez Linda Davis Brett Yates
coarsely chopped • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced • Salt and pepper, to taste
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Plan. Protect. Preserve.
8550 Grand River Ave., Ste. 200 Brighton, MI 48116 888-390-4360 www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com
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INSIDE This Issue
Back-to-School Memories PAGE 1
Fence Your Way to Better Brain Health! PAGE 2
The 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s PAGE 2
Don’t Get Burned This Summer PAGE 3
Grilled Leg of Lamb PAGE 3
How to Get Your Dog to Stop Barking PAGE 4
BECOME A ‘DOG WHISPERER’
Train as a Pack for Better Results
Your whole family adores your dog — but not the
and help get out some of the kid’s pent-up energy, too. It may also be beneficial to practice obedience exercises and games that challenge your dog.
barking. This issue can lead to feelings of frustration, and the more frustrated you get, the more your dog barks. It’s their only way of communicating, and they’re telling you, “My needs are not being met.” As Cesar Millan, the original “dog whisperer,” explains, “A barking dog needs exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order.”
DISCIPLINE To put a stop to the behavior, you’ll first need to change any of your behavior that’s reinforcing it. Any attention your dog gets when he’s barking — even yelling, “Rover, stop!” — teaches him to keep going, because you’re rewarding him with attention. Wait until your dog has stopped barking to give him any sort of attention, including looking at them. “To be successful with this method, you must wait as long as it takes for him to stop barking,” advises the Humane Society. AFFECTION Of course, your dog needs love and attention to thrive — a lack of it could contribute to barking behavior. Reinforce silence by giving your dog a treat and an encouraging pat when she demonstrates good behavior, like not barking. “Our pups want to work for our attention,” Cesar Millan reminds us. “Allowing her to do that and to see your happiness is, to your dog, the biggest reward of all.” To make your training program successful, consistency is key. Enlist the help of the whole family to stick to the principles. Together, you can foster a calm, peaceful home where you and your dog happily coexist.
EXERCISE Part of the barking issue may be due to pent-up energy. According to the humane society, “A tired dog is a good dog and one who is less likely to
bark from boredom or frustration.” If you already take your pup on a morning walk, try adding in an evening walk. You could add it to your child’s chore list
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