Take a look at our September newsletter!
SEPTEMBER 2025
It can be difficult to accept the hard truths of aging. We might not be able to move as quickly or easily as we used to, getting out of bed in the morning can feel more difficult, and even our thought process slows down. While this can be concerning to some, it’s important to understand that we don’t have a set date or age at which our bodies slow or break down. By taking action now, we can help prevent the adverse effects of aging. September is Healthy Aging Month, providing an excellent opportunity to put a plan in place that allows us to age gracefully and happily. I recently turned 49, and I’m feeling my age more as every year passes. I don’t feel like I’m 20 anymore, and I’ve needed to make adjustments to ensure I’m prioritizing my health. One of the biggest challenges was finding ways to incorporate exercise into my daily routine. Honestly, I hate exercise, almost to the point where I detest it. It’s not uncommon for me to circle a parking lot for 10 minutes just to get the closest spot possible. Over the past year, something changed, and I decided to take a leap and start working with a personal trainer. Let me be clear: I’m not doing this because I hope to have a six-pack or to be bikini-ready next summer. If I had hired a personal trainer in the past, I could see myself trying to achieve a ripped body, lose weight, or gain a ton of feel- good endorphins. Instead, I’m making this effort because I do not want to fall and break a hip, even though I’m not at that age yet. If I fall, I want to be able to get right back up on my own. I want to be flexible enough that if I sleep in a bad position or turn my head too far, I won’t need to see a chiropractor or physical therapist. My focus has completely shifted! HEALTHY AGING STARTS NOW — NOT SOMEDAY MOVE MORE, SLEEP BETTER, WORRY LESS
One big focus that often gets overlooked is sleep. As we grow older, our sleep patterns change. For me, it’s not as solid as it used to be. I constantly wake up in the middle of the night because my brain keeps running. I’ve had to make sleep habit changes to ensure I fall and stay asleep. I’ve been drinking hot herbal tea with a combo of lavender and chamomile before bed, and I use lavender-scented soap at night. I keep my screens away before bedtime and ensure my room is always dark, cool, and comfortable. When I get a great night of sleep, my brain functions better. Another essential aspect of aging is going to the doctor more regularly. Not only do you have new reasons to get appointments, but staying close with your doctor can help keep you safe. I recently went through a period of feeling randomly lightheaded and dizzy. I contacted my doctor, who told me to track my blood pressure. Turns out it was low, and I didn’t need to be on my medication anymore. Without that close tie, I could have passed out at work or while behind the wheel, putting myself and others at risk of injury. It might sound like aging is no fun, but it has good aspects. One of which is becoming much more comfortable in your own skin. I don’t worry as much about what people think and don’t feel the need to judge others. It’s been incredibly freeing!
Aging is an essential part of life. By taking action now, we can ensure our golden years are as enjoyable as possible!
While exercise is essential for healthy aging, there are some other areas we need to pay attention to if we want to get the most out of our senior years.
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HOW BOUNTIFUL BEARDS BECAME VICTORIAN AIR PURIFIERS Step aside, antibiotics! In the smog-choked streets of 1850s London, where chimney smoke clung to every surface and a “fog” could linger for months, doctors championed a fuzzy solution. The prescription? Grow a beard. Not just any beard, but big, bushy, chest-brushing beards that could rival a lion’s mane. Their advice made it seem like thick, woolly beards were a frontline defense against disease. As London’s population surged past the one million mark in the mid-1800s, so did its coal consumption. Residents warmed their homes and powered the city with coal, releasing dense plumes of smoke that clung to the damp air. These weren’t your average winter mists. In 1873, one thick smog event blanketed the city, contributing to hundreds of bronchitis-related deaths. Another hung around for four months in 1879, plunging London into darkness. Victorian physicians, caught between outdated theories and the dawn of germ science, believed thick beards could filter the noxious air swirling through the city. With coal smoke saturating the sky and mysterious illnesses lurking in every cough, they saw the beard as a barrier and a natural air purifier, trapping invisible enemies before they reached the throat or lungs. Public speakers were even told their beards would soothe strained vocal cords! Men were reassured that their whiskers could keep sore throats at bay. But here’s the ironic twist in this follicular fairy tale. Modern research paints a less noble picture of the beard. According to dermatologists and ecologists, those bodacious beards trap bacteria, food particles, and even play host to tiny squatters (aka ectoparasites). What the Victorians hailed as a filter functioned more like a germ motel!
Smog, Soot, and Stubble
So, while the beard boom of the 1800s was well-intentioned, it might be best remembered as a moment when style, “science,” and smog collided and the beard won (if only temporarily).
Fall Events You Can’t Miss! Carve Out Some Fun
Craft Fairs We have talented artisans in our community, and during fall craft fairs, they’ll take to the streets to show off their work. Throughout the months of September and October, there are fall craft fairs and festivals taking place nearly every weekend. The Big Four Arts Festival, NuLu Fest, St. James Court Art Show, and the 39th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival at Whitefield Academy are all worth a visit. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival and Bourbon & Beyond are also taking place this month, which are always a treat! Classic Fall Activities You don’t have to attend a special event to get the most out of fall. You can participate in any activity that reminds you of the season, like hosting a campfire with your friends and family, experiencing an exciting college football game, or taking a hike through the wilderness. When you find ways to connect with the season, you get more enjoyment from it!
After a long, hot summer, there’s nothing better than stepping out into the crisp, refreshing fall air to participate in your favorite fall activities. Whether you enjoy hiking through the trees as the leaves change to various shades of red, yellow, and orange, or you’re excited over the return of pumpkin spice- flavored items, now is the perfect time to celebrate fall and everything that comes with it. If you’re looking for something special to do to welcome in the season or keep the family entertained on a free weekend, we have three ideas you’ll love! The Jack O’Lantern Spectacular As the weather continues to cool down and days become shorter, many of us will start looking for Halloween-inspired activities to enjoy. The Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at Iroquois Park is an excellent family-friendly option that you’ll want to experience year after year. You’ll love viewing the 5,000 carved pumpkins lining the walking path and hiding among the trees as you experience themed scenes set to music. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience. While the event technically doesn’t start until October, you can get your tickets as early as Sept. 1.
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Have a Laugh!
If you’re a longtime reader of my newsletter, you may remember an article a few years ago where I discussed becoming an empty nester and realizing I had no hobbies. I couldn’t even fill out a church form that asked what I liked to do in my free time. I had spent the last 20 years raising children and working, which left almost no time for anything else. My life couldn’t revolve solely around work now that the kids were out of the house. I had to find out who I wanted to be outside the workday. Many of you have probably felt the same way at some point. When we realize this, we often jump at the first thing that comes to mind, bouncing from hobby to hobby until something sticks or we give up. I tried gardening and failed horribly, which led to an attempt at crocheting. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see the holes easily, so it became an exercise in frustration. I’m not consistent enough to journal, but I did find enjoyment in cooking. It’s now one of my main hobbies, but weekends are the only time I have the bandwidth to spend time making new dishes. If you read our cover article, you learned about the changes we experience as we age. It’s important to remember that our hobbies change too, as some of our favorite activities become harder to accomplish. My husband used to do triathlons. When he was done with work, he would cycle for miles and miles, just to train and have fun. That’s not an easy hobby to maintain as you get older. These days, he’s more likely to hop on a tractor and mow the grass or spend time on Facebook Marketplace looking for good deals. Our doctors are even encouraging us to try pickleball! FINDING PURPOSE OUTSIDE THE WORKDAY IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO PICK UP A PAINTBRUSH, SPATULA, OR ROCK
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a
large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat.
3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes.
Ingredients •
1 1/2 lbs flank steak
When we hit milestones in life, it’s a great time to explore our hobbies, find new ones, and get re-involved in something familiar. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme — just find something that brings you joy. Even something as simple as rock collecting or leisurely painting can be enough to keep you entertained and satisfied!
Marinade •
2/3 cup red wine 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sesame oil 1 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tsp minced garlic 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp ginger powder 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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INSIDE
BUILDING A HEALTHIER FUTURE, ONE HABIT AT A TIME 1
BEARDS WERE A VICTORIAN HEALTH HACK
THE BEST FALL ACTIVITIES IN LOUISVILLE 2 REDISCOVERING YOURSELF BEYOND WORK AND PARENTING
GRILLED TERIYAKI FLANK STEAK 3 ONE DOG’S DARING ESCAPE UNCOVERED A NIGHTMARE 4
JAILBREAK FOR JUSTICE HOW A SENIOR HOUND’S ESCAPE CHANGED DOZENS OF LIVES
When a 10-year-old basset hound fled from her neglectful home, she didn’t just rescue herself from abuse and poor conditions; she ended up saving more than 30 other animals from unimaginable suffering. Hero, as she’s since been named, was in bad shape when animal rescuers first discovered her. Emaciated and dirty, her overgrown nails had twisted, making it painful for her to walk. She had a painful bladder infection and heartworms. Despite the pain she was in, she made a daring escape, and her ID tag led animal control to a house of horrors. Officers found 36 other dogs, a chicken, and a cat at the location, suffering from various ailments and signs of abuse. Some animals lived in small, dirty cages; others had injuries and signs of malnutrition. All of them were dirty and had a medical issue of some kind. It was clear they needed help. The Humane Society of Concord took in 15 of the dogs, including Hero, and other local rescues housed the rest. When the sad story of these neglected dogs reached the community, people heard the call and donated funds to help cover their medical and care costs.
If it had not been for Hero’s life-saving feat, there’s no telling what would have become of her furry friends. The shelter that named her Hero even gave her a last name, Salvare, which means to save and protect. They described her as “a friendly girl with the softness of a sweet old lady” who deserved a quiet home as she recovered.
Hero has since found her forever home and was adopted the next day after the shelter searched for a new owner. Thanks to the kind and persevering hound, many other dogs from the home have also been adopted.
“Despite Hero’s sad backstory, she’s proof that dogs are resilient creatures that only show love that is unconditional,” the shelter wrote.
Hero may have started as a victim, but she ended a chapter of abuse as a rescuer. Her quiet bravery saved her and transformed the lives of dozens of others, proving that even in the darkest places, hope can come on four legs and floppy ears.
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