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Peace of Mind Post
DECEMBER 2020
The Importance of Movement
EVEN IN WINTER
I n the November 2020 edition of our newsletter, in honor of Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we highlighted prevention and preparation efforts for dementia. With our firm’s specialty focus on elder law and estate planning, this diagnosis is very personal for our team. Every day, we encourage our clients to have the uncomfortable — but very necessary — conversations to answer the big looming question about aging: What if? As we head into the final month of 2020, I wanted to dedicate this cover letter to one of the biggest forms of prevention — one that I believe is crucial to our well-being, especially as we head into the colder, snowier months. According to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, some studies have found that exercise can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s by 50%. Movement releases endorphins, which make us feel better and strengthen our bodies. Additionally, new research shows that exercise can increase our mental capacities, too. It is essential that we incorporate movement as part of a healthy aging routine, for the prevention of Alzheimer’s and for our overall wellness, too.
Admittedly, finding ways to move in the winter can be a challenge. It’s snowy, slippery, and many of us would prefer to wrap ourselves up in a blanket with a warm cup of cocoa instead of trudging through snowbanks. Though it can be therapeutic to spend evenings inside, it’s vital that we find time to exercise and get outside, too. There are far more cloudy days than sunny ones in our region, so don’t waste the opportunities to get outside to soak up the sun and some vitamin D — even when the temperatures dip below freezing. Winter has to be my second favorite season. I love how serene the region becomes, and our air feels fresher with a blanket of snow covering the ground. It’s my favorite when clouds clear from the wintery skies, and we can see the millions of stars scattered across it. If you were to drive by my farm on one of those freezing, crystal clear nights, you just might see me standing in my driveway bundled up and in awe. When I’m not braving the cold for stargazing, my favorite winter activities are hiking, running, or walking. I know there are also locally sponsored opportunities for hiking, winter bird counting, ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing. In fact, the local L.L. Bean store even has a sponsored snowshoeing activity in which you can try it out without having to commit to buying the gear. If you’re considering getting outside more this winter, I really encourage you to buy the proper gear. You have to bundle up, and that includes finding the right pair of socks! (We all know how torturous it is to have cold
feet!) I’ve found a great company called Heat Holders, which makes socks, hats, and gloves specifically designed to keep your toes, head, and fingers warm while in use. I’ve even gone out when it was 14 below zero, and my toes didn’t get cold. How amazing is that? I hope you don’t allow the weather to deter you from getting outside and enjoying the winter fun our region has to offer. It just might be great for your brain in the long run.
Have a safe and happy winter!
P.S. If you’re looking for more great ideas to get active outside this winter, check out the article on Page 3.
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Books for Reading an
BE A BETTER LISTENER FOR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS TO ‘GET IT ALL OUT’ It’s not always easy to share feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, or other strong emotions — but it’s healthy to share them. Sometimes, we need to vent and get it all out. Venting gives us an opportunity to release these emotions, which often leads to mental clarity. However, when someone comes to you to vent and share their heavy emotional burden, listening can be just as challenging as sharing. You want to be supportive, but you don’t want to interfere. Strong feelings and tough situations may be involved. What can you do to be the listener they really need? It starts with your body language. Open yourself to their emotional needs. Gregorio Billikopf, an interpersonal relationship expert at the University of California, Berkeley says if you begin the conversation standing, invite the person to have a seat with you. Another thing you can do as a listener is position yourself below their eye line. This puts the person venting in a more active “storyteller” position and you in a better “listener” position. While in this position, maintain eye contact. It’s okay to look down or away occasionally, but try to keep steady eye contact. Billikopf also notes that, as a listener, it’s important to avoid interjecting. Don’t offer input, suggestions, or guidance to the person venting until after the person has had the chance to get it all out. “During this venting process, there is still too much pressure for a person to consider other perspectives,” Billikopf says.
After a fun-filled winter day outside with your loved ones, there’s no better way to relax than with a cup of hot cocoa and a great book. As you settle on the couch or in bed for some light reading, be sure to check out one of these late-in-life planning books. You get to relax while continuing
your planning journey. (And we promise they’re not full of jargon!) ‘Your American Legacy’ by Stan Miller At Trinity Elder Law, we believe in the guiding principle behind Stan Miller’s “Your American Legacy: Powerful Strategies That Instill Lasting Values for Generations.” Your life and what you leave behind is about so much more than the
money and assets you have to your name. It’s also about the knowledge you’ve built up over the years, the heirlooms you treasure, and the family stories and traditions you pass down to future generations. In this book, Miller offers readers suggestions for leaving a legacy that’s both monetary and sentimentally valuable.
SUDOKU
While you don’t want to interject, you do want to be an active listener. This means you don’t want to be completely silent. This is where “reflective
listening” comes in. Occasionally repeat what the speaker says — but don’t use their exact phrasing. Reword slightly in a sympathetic manner. Don’t spin their words or mistakenly interject an opinion, as it may not be the opinion they’re interested in hearing. Alternatively, listening cues like “mm” or “hm” and nods are always welcome. One last thing to keep in mind: You do not need to offer a solution to the person’s problem or concerns. They may just be venting to get their negative emotions out, not looking for answers or explanations. If they are looking for answers or guidance, wait for them to ask. In the meantime, lend your ear and let them know you’re there for them going forward.
Solution on Page 4
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Some Cozy nd Learning
3 WAYS YOU CAN GET OUTSIDE THIS WINTER This month, our very own Julie Anderson is challenging you to get outside and stay active! If you’re looking for a few ideas, try some of these locally curated events to get you outside and moving!
‘The Retiring Mind’ by Robert P. Delamontagne As you begin the path to retirement — or perhaps you’re already there! — it’s vital that you create the lifestyle that’s going to help you thrive. “The Retiring Mind: How to Make the
Count Birds and Help Experts What: Christmas Bird Count Where: Jennings Environmental Center When: Dec. 16 Website: Events.DCNR.PA.gov
Psychological Transition to Retirement” offers a guide to shifting away from your life’s work and into your golden years. This book is especially important for those who love their jobs and can’t imagine retiring. Delamontagne offers a glimpse into the barriers you may encounter and a guide to get past them.
Join the Jennings Environmental Center for the 121st annual Christmas Bird Count. For generations, participants have gone for walks and hikes around the region to count and identify the birds they find along the way. The data collected from the event is then used by the National Audubon Society’s researchers and environmentalists to track bird patterns and species numbers and in conservation efforts. This event is perfect for those who enjoy birds or novices who are looking to get into birding. Call 724-794-6011 for more information.
‘You’re Not Alone’ by Julie Anderson
Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the two books by the same name, created by Julie and our firm.
“You’re Not Alone” is targeted at families and patients of Alzheimer’s, providing resources, encouragement, and a guide to navigating this devastating disease. We’ve created an edition for caregivers and one for those who have received a
Venture Over the Snow What: Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Where: Across Pennsylvania When: All winter Website: VisitButlerCounty.com or LLBean.com
dementia diagnosis so everyone on the journey feels supported and has a clear path to achieving goals together. Contact our team today to receive your copy of “You’re Not Alone.”
There’s no better way to explore the outdoors, get a little exercise, and spot wildlife than on cross-country skis or snowshoes. You’ll love gliding along the winter wonderland with gear that allows you to cross large snowbanks and overflows without sinking into the snow. You can explore previously untouchable regions during the winter without having to trudge through piles of snow. Our local L.L. Bean store even has snowshoeing discovery courses for those who want to try the hobby without any commitment. Learn more online! Glide Gracefully What: Ice skating Where: North Park Rink, Allison Park, Pennsylvania When: All winter Website: AlleghenyCounty.us Nothing says winter quite like ice skating. Pick up or rent a pair of skates and check out the North Park Rink for outdoor fun that’s both socially distant and great for your body. (Just be careful not to fall!) And remember: It’s never too late to learn how to skate. You can take classes through Allegheny County to ensure you stay safety and have fun on the ice this winter! Learn more online.
Simple Vegan Caesar Dressing Nothing pulls together a salad quite like a delicious Caesar dressing. This easy vegan recipe takes just five minutes to make and keeps for 5–7 days in the fridge.
INGREDIENTS
• •
2 tsp capers, minced 3 tsp caper brining juice Salt and pepper, to taste Hot water, as needed
• • • •
1/4 cup hummus
5 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp spicy mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil •
1 tbsp lemon juice • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
•
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small bowl, add all ingredients and whisk to combine. 2. If needed, add a bit of hot water to thin the dressing until it will pour. 3. Serve with salad or refrigerate for later!
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
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340 N. Main St., Suite 103 Butler, PA 16001 724.256.8850 www.TrinityElderLaw.com
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INSIDE This Issue
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The Importance of Movement in Winter
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How to Be a Better Listener for Someone in Need Warm Up This Winter With a Good Book on Late-in-Life Planning Simple Vegan Caesar Dressing Explore Our Region Outside This Winter
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The Story Behind 3 Laws Named After People
3 LAWS NAMED AFTER PEOPLE THAT ALL AMERICANS SHOULD KNOW
a provision that requires offenders to report their whereabouts. The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act Boxing is a tradition that stretches back to the early Egyptians, but it wasn’t until 1999 that Congress took action to protect these heavyweight fighters from greed and exhaustion. The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act — known as the Ali Act — sought to protect boxers from promoters who took advantage of sports bets to make a quick buck. Experts identified many unethical business practices that put boxers in danger and stripped them of their rights to payment. The act was signed into law on May 26, 2000. Though it bears the name of famed boxer Muhammad Ali, there are no explicit ties to him, but the boxer did fervently support the bill in Congress. Kari’s Law In 2013, Kari Hunt Dunn was killed by her estranged husband in a hotel room in
Perusing a list of federal laws may read like a yearbook of crime history. Bills introduced in Congress are often named after the victims of horrific crimes, greed, and exploitation to honor those victims. Below are three such laws. Each has made a lasting impression on society and culture. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act was signed in 2006 — 25 years after 6-year-old Adam Walsh was abducted from a Florida shopping mall. Adam’s body was found 16 days later, and his father’s reaction to his son’s horrific death impacted generations of victims. His father, John Walsh, went on to create the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and hosted the popular TV show “America’s Most Wanted” for 23 years. The act created a three-tiered categorization for sex offenders, designated requirements for registering as a sex offender, and included The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
Texas. Her daughter, who witnessed the event, knew to call 911 but was unaware that she had to dial 9 first to make an outbound call. Kari’s parents sought to change that by advocating for Kari’s Law, which was introduced in the Texas legislature in 2015. The law was signed into effect nationwide in 2018. It mandates that hotels, businesses, and other multi- line phone operating systems can no longer require dialing a 9, or any other number, prior to making a 911 call.
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