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LETTERS OF PROOF
March 2026
R
THE THRILL OF THE HUNT
SHOPPING FOR SECONDHAND TREASURE
Shopping at secondhand stores is a great way to save money and support eco-friendly recycling. Flagstaff has an amazing array of great thrift stores, and I’m always on the lookout for a really good deal. I don’t just shop for bargains. I love the thrill of the hunt. In recognition of March 22–28 as National Second-Hand Shopping Week, I’ve been thinking about all the bargains I’ve found over the years. My family and I have probably saved at least $5,000 by shopping at secondhand stores.
NAU Property Surplus, where the university sells unneeded furniture and other items. I bought a desk for my office for $5. We found a lectern that we use as a standing desk for about $40; it would have cost $1,000 to $1,500 brand-new. I also bought, for $10 apiece, four treatment tables that would have cost more than $700 brand-new. Rules of the Hunt When I go to a thrift store, I don’t necessarily have just one thing in mind. My mindset is, “Hey, what’s here today?” You may have a great find, or you may not. You aren't going to have 100% success every time. But keeping an open mind is helpful.
I began bargain-hunting in earnest about 10 years ago, when we moved from Tucson to Flagstaff. Tucson has trendy stores that call themselves secondhand shops, but the prices don’t match that claim. You might be shopping for a $500 jacket at a secondhand store there and buy it for $400. That’s not the same kind of deal a savvy shopper can find in Flagstaff. Real Deals At a secondhand store here, I found a pair of brand-new $350 dress shoes selling for $15. I snapped those up and wear them often, to church and elsewhere. I’ve found good deals on jeans, jackets, and dress shirts, too.
Sometimes, I discover items I know are priced too low, or my kids will point out a bargain, saying, “Dad, that’s a really good deal!” But I ask myself, “Do I actually need that?” and if the answer is no, I pass it up. I realize some people mark up and resell stuff they find in thrift shops. I’ve done that a couple of times with things I thought I would use, but it’s not my main thing. I don’t buy things I don’t really need or won’t use just because they are a good deal.
Also, you have to be ready for surprises. I always look items over carefully before I buy. Shopping for outdoor sports gear, for example, we often find items that people have been storing in a shed. It’s really common to pick up a ski boot, turn it over, and see a bunch of mouse crap fall out. That’s where I stop looking. I’m not going to go there. The benefits of thrift-store shopping far outweigh moments like that, though. As you ready your outdoor gear for springtime, consider hunting for some hidden gems at your favorite thrift store. I hope you’ll find, as I do, that the chase is half the fun!
My kids, who are 19, 16, and 14, started skiing and snowboarding a couple of years ago, and we’ve often found brand-new ski and snowboard gear at secondhand prices. Those savings have enabled them to hit the slopes, something we probably couldn’t have managed if we had to buy all their equipment new. They outgrow gear so fast. We’ve probably bought 2–3 pairs of ice skates and snowboard boots for my 14-year-old in just the last 2–3 years. Also, when we opened our clinic on a shoestring nearly 10 years ago, I found great deals on furniture and equipment at
-Dr. Jordan Williams
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Stop Trying to Hustle Harder
PLAN SMARTER INSTEAD
Put a plan in place. When do you start thinking about what you need to accomplish on any given day? Too often, people wait until they face their work computer or stare at a sink full of dishes to strategize their day. Instead, take some time before you wrap up work to establish your priorities for the following day. Before the weekend starts, figure out which chores you need to do and the best time to tackle them. Having a plan will increase your likelihood of sticking to it. Stop saying yes. How often do you say “no” to others? Many of us are people pleasers who often agree to requests, even if they exceed our capacity. Saying “yes”
Do you ever wish you could accomplish more in a day? Whether you’re trying to squeeze out as many tasks as possible at work or take care of all of your chores before Sunday, it can feel like you’re always trying to maximize your productivity. But many of us feel like we fall short each day.
all the time will lead to burnout, regardless of whether it’s your boss asking you to complete a project before noon or your friends wanting to go out for the fourth night in a row. Say no, and keep your main priorities at the forefront of your mind. Take regular breaks. You may want to push through all your tasks so you can finally unwind and relax, but this could lengthen the process. Sticking to your responsibilities like glue prevents your body and brain from taking necessary breaks to recalibrate and reset so you can operate at peak performance.
You may think you just need to regularly refresh your coffee or
eliminate every distraction from your mind to improve your productivity, but this only gets you so far. Instead, focus on incorporating strong, simple strategies into your routine. Here are three ideas to help you be as productive as possible, no matter the situation.
TURN PLAYTIME INTO POWER MOVES Everyday Activities That Keep Everyone Healthy
Are you looking for ways to get the whole family moving without it feeling like a chore? Getting healthy together doesn’t require boring workouts or spending a lot of money. There are simple, fun ways to get in
Jog with joy. Walking or running is one of the simplest and most effective home workouts you and your family can do every day. After dinner is an excellent time for everyone to stroll around the neighborhood, even for just 10 minutes. These relaxing walks are an opportunity to connect while burning off the seemingly endless
shape at home that feel more like play than exercise. From a dance session in the living room to after-dinner strolls around the neighborhood, these exercise ideas will help
energy kids have. You can get your steps in no matter the weather or time. If it’s too cold or hot to jog outside, take a few laps around a mall or your own home. Mop with merriment. Most household chores are mini aerobic sessions in themselves. You can transform those dreaded tasks into welcomed workouts. Set aside time for everyone to do them together, making it fun with music or turning it into a game. See who can finish sweeping a room or complete their to-do list the fastest. All of these chores subtly force your body to move, lift, push, and pull.
give your family the daily activity they need, along with plenty of laughs. Let the fitness fun begin! Shake it with smiles.
Turn up the tunes and get everyone on their feet for a cozy dance party. Grooving along to your favorite songs is a great stress reliever for kids, and it helps improve their flexibility, strength, and confidence. Dancing is a form of creative expression that gets the body moving. Everyone can freestyle to the beat, or you can
With a bit of creativity, everyday activities can become entertaining ways to keep the whole family active and connected. Turn on the tunes, crank up the energy, and get ready for fun fitness that feels like play.
play “freeze dance,” where you bust a move until the song stops and then freeze until the rhythm kicks back on.
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THE TINY HOME TREND FOR SECURE SENIOR LIVING Trade Your Empty Nest for Financial Freedom
As we grow older, we start to give more thought to the idea of retirement. After working diligently for decades, many people want to step away from work to spend their senior years traveling, enjoying time with loved ones, and taking steps to ensure they can age in place. However, retirement seems more like a dream than a reality for many Americans. While there is no magic number for how much retirement costs in 2026, experts estimate that most Americans will need over $1 million to maintain their standard of living through retirement.
working until your body gives out, but that’s not necessarily true for everyone. Among strategies you can use to shore up your retirement savings, one that has gained popularity is downsizing. Once the kids leave the nest and start families of their own, you may have more space than you know what to do with. While you could move into an apartment or a smaller home in your neighborhood, you may benefit from exploring the idea of a tiny home community. In recent years, home developers have given more intentional thought to creating communities that enable older Americans to age in place. Many have features that make our lives easier as we age. Flooring that allows medical devices to function smoothly, elevated appliances, easy-to-open shelving, motion-activated lighting, and remote-control blinds are just a few examples of the helpful elements found in many tiny home communities. The houses are usually single-level to eliminate the dangers of stairs and feature accessible bathroom designs to promote safety and more. From Oregon to Florida, tiny home communities are popping up all over the country. If you’re looking for a healthy way to age in place without breaking the bank, consider downsizing to a tiny home.
If you haven’t poured money
into your retirement accounts throughout your career, you may be concerned about having a big
enough nest egg in the future. You may worry you’ll have to continue
SPINACH ARTICHOKE PIZZA
TAKE A BREAK!
DIRECTIONS
1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
INGREDIENTS • 1 loaf frozen bread dough • 2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese • 7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped • Several handfuls of fresh spinach • Pepper, to taste
Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
460 N. Switzer Canyon Dr., Ste. 400 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
1. Flagstaff’s Thrift Stores Offer Bargain Hunting at Its Best INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2. The Productivity Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed Family Fun First, Fitness Second 3. Downsizing to a Tiny Home Can Save Your Retirement Hopes Spinach Artichoke Pizza
4. The Tiny Nutrient That Supercharges Your Brainpower
OMEGA-3S ARE YOUR MIND’S SECRET WEAPON BEAT BRAIN FOG FAST
Omega-3s and Cognitive Decline A growing body of research suggests that maintaining higher levels of omega-3s may help protect the brain as it ages. Reviews show associations between higher omega-3 intake and reduced risk of dementia or cognitive deterioration, with DHA appearing especially important. Additionally, newer trials suggest that omega-3 supplementation may enhance motivation and mental clarity in individuals experiencing inflammation- related mood or cognitive symptoms. While omega-3s aren’t necessarily magic, they are fundamental to building and maintaining a healthy, resilient brain. Regularly incorporating fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, or chia seeds, or using supplements when needed, can support clarity, memory, and long-term brain health.
Ever wonder why some days your thinking feels sharp and effortless, while other days your mind feels foggy? Part of the answer might come down to nutrition. The brain may weigh only a few pounds, but it consumes a remarkable amount of energy and relies on specific nutrients to keep its billions of cells communicating smoothly. Among the most important of these nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids, which act as structural building blocks and chemical support systems for the brain at every stage of life. The Brain’s Need for Omega-3s Omega-3s, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), play essential roles in forming and maintaining healthy brain tissue. DHA is a major component of gray matter and contributes to the flexibility and integrity of neuronal membranes. Research
shows that during pregnancy and early childhood, DHA is selectively drawn into the developing brain, shaping cognitive and visual function long before we’re old enough to think about nutrition. Omega-3s and Cognitive Performance The benefits of omega-3s continue well beyond early development. Studies have linked adequate levels of DHA and EPA to sharper memory, stronger learning ability, and improved overall cognitive performance. For example, adults with low dietary DHA have shown notable improvements in memory after supplementation, suggesting that even shortfalls in young, healthy individuals can impact brain function. Other research shows improvements in attention, mental stamina, and mood regulation, further demonstrating the wide-ranging cognitive value of omega-3 intake.
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