Are you considering adding exercise to your daily routine or significantly increasing your level of activity? Talk with your doctor about the exercises and physical activities that are best for you. During your appointment, you can ask:
What types of exercise would work for me? Your medical history and current activity level will help your doctor recommend exercises that are doable and safe. Your doctor can also help you come up with a plan to gradually increase the intensity or duration of your physical activity. This information might be part of an exercise prescription, which indicates how you should exercise and for how long. You can “fill” this prescription by yourself or coordinate with a personal trainer or exercise medicine specialist.
Are there any exercises or activities I should avoid? Your doctor can make recommendations based on your health history, keeping in mind any recent surgeries or ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. This would be a great time to check with your doctor about any unexplained symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as chest pain or pressure, joint pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Your doctor may recommend postponing exercise until the problem is diagnosed and treated.
How does my health condition affect my ability to exercise? Some health conditions can affect your exercise routine. For example, people with arthritis may need to avoid some types of activity, especially when joints are swollen or inflamed. Those with diabetes may need to adjust their daily schedule, meal plan, or medications when planning their activities. Your doctor can talk with you about any adjustments you need to make to ensure that you get the most out of your new exercise routine.
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society (VGMS) is pleased to announce our “Diamond Jubilee” 60th Annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show taking place March 4 & 5 (10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday; 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Sunday) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd, Ventura). The show is open to the public and admission is free, although the Fairgrounds charges a parking fee if using the Fairgrounds lot.
The Ventura Gem Show has been a fun family event for six decades with its focus on kids and education, gemstone cutting and jewelry-making, and rocks and fossils. At the show, we’ll announce the recipient of our $1,000 Scholarship Award, given annually to a local college student. Upon entering the show, kids are given a free polished stone at our Welcome Booth, where we also will have free rock samples and educational packets for teachers. At the Kids Booth, children can enjoy activities offering an assortment of rocky prizes. A nearby display offers info about the society’s two-room museum in Ojai, where teachers, home-schoolers, and other youth groups can arrange tours by appointment.
Here in California, there’s gold in them thar hills (try Lake Piru!), and you can learn how to pan for it at the Show. At one booth, expert prospectors will guide you through basic steps of gold panning, and you can purchase “pay dirt” to pan for real gold nuggets and flakes at the show or in your own backyard. In addition, this free show will feature some 50 displays of gems, minerals, fossils, and award-winning handcrafted jewelry. These include educational exhibits of fossils collected locally in and around Ventura County, as well as a display of our State Rock, Mineral, Fossil, and Gemstone (including a gold nugget, an Ice Age saber-tooth cat, and “Auggie”, the California State Dinosaur). Still other displays will show how stones collected locally have been crafted into jewelry. Demonstrations give visitors up-close looks at artists pursuing their crafts: gemstone cutting, silver work and jewelry making, beading, and other arts and crafts made from nature. Raffle prizes include fine jewelry, carved stones, a $100 bill, mineral and fossil specimens, and more. In addition, enjoy hourly silent auctions for rocks, minerals, and fossils, as well as a “Country Store” white elephant sale, a plant sale, and 15 dealers selling beads, opals, jade, gemstones, crystals, fossils, jewelry and jewelry-making supplies, and gift items.
VGMS was founded in 1944 to encourage interest in rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry-making, and related areas through education, activities, and exhibitions such as this annual show, which is open to the community.
The Ventura Gem Show is the society’s major fund-raising event helping to underwrite educational activities, including the annual college scholarship and school visits and donations. For further details, call (805) 312-8467, email [email protected], or visit our web site at www.vgms.org.
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc., is a nonprofit educational organization.
9:10am, officers on patrol in Fireboat, observed and towed a Hazard-to-Navigation, a large log from debris flows, south of the Santa Clara River breech.
Thursday 1/26
2:00am, received report of a prowler in the Ventura Marina Community from a tenant. Advised the caller to contact Ventura PD for police calls.
5:00am, received report of suspicious persons just outside the restrooms at 1510 Anchors Way. Contacted VPD, advised. Officers responded, a group of people scattered on arrival. After search, found the subjects at the launch ramp restrooms. Removed them, advised not to return, no boating business/activity.
5:33pm, while on patrol, observed then issued verbal warnings for insufficient lights and illegal placement of hoop nets to two kayakers in the Harbor entrance.
Friday 1/27
7:02am, observed transient camped on the sidewalk in front of the Surfers Knoll restrooms, officers issued warning for camping, subject complied, moved along.
12:46pm, received request from director of a film shoot in the harbor to use a drone for filming. Advised Harbormaster, then he granted permission to do so.
9-11am, officers conducting in-house boat tow training with Rescue B19 and the Fireboat. Towing evolutions included: long and short tows.
3:31pm, received request for assistance from sea bird rescuer retrieving oiled birds in the Ventura Keys barranca. Officers rescuing birds for rehabilitation.
Saturday 1/28
2:25am, received report of three fishermen harassing a sealion at the launch ramp. Officers responded, found the fishermen on the docks fishing. They advised the sealion was harassing them, they decided to leave. Officers advised of the Ventura Harbor Ordinance regarding fishing in designated areas.
10:40am, received a call from a kayaker who was rescued by officers 20 years ago during a strong East wind event. He capsized at the Harbor entrance and was unable to right or get back on his kayak properly. Officers Hummer and Kabris responded in Rescue B19 after receiving overdue report from the victim’s wife. Officers found him 6 miles offshore, hypothermic. The kayaker was rescued, handed over to medics, recovered for a few weeks in the hospital. He wanted to thank the officers who saved his life on the anniversary, 20yrs ago.
Sunday 1/29
1:55am, dispatched to Portside apartments for a 70 year old with difficulty breathing. Officers responded with AMR/VFD. Patient transported to hospital.
Monday 1/30
12:06pm, while on patrol in the vehicle, observed the Santa Clara Rivermouth breech has moved approximately ¼ of a mile south and still flowing.
Tuesday 1/31
7:33pm, received report of a red flare near the Santa Clara Rivermouth. Officers responded, searched the area along with US coast guard, no vessel found.reeeeeeeefh586666666
Students from Will Rogers made Valentine’s for seniors during Kindness Week.
by Carol Leish, MA
“‘Kindness Week’ was January 23-January 27, 2023, at Ventura Unified School District,” according to Natalie Uribe, who is the Home Care Specialist at Assisted Home Health and Hospice. “My colleagues and I approached schools in our service area, including Will Rogers Elementary School in Ventura. Their Principal, Vanessa Perez, said that the school included our Valentines coloring sheets in their activities for Kindness Week, which was a week-long program dedicated to creating a culture of kindness and compassion in communities worldwide.”
Principal Perez said, “We are working on the pillars of character. February’s character trait is ‘Caring.’ The color is ‘red’ and for students to think of a ‘heart.’ It’s important to show that you care, to express gratitude, to forgive others, and to help people in need, which all fit into being caring individuals.”
Principal Perez also emphasized that, “We become kind and caring by doing kind and caring things each day, not just during one week. A smile is an easy way of showing someone that you care. It’s easy to acknowledge someone with a smile on the school campus, in the grocery store and in the community.”
“During Kindness Week,” according to Uribe, “we provided local elementary schools in our service area: Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Paula and Ojai, with Valentine’s coloring sheets asking them to color them for seniors who are living in various senior living communities. As we know, some of the residents have few families and friends, and receiving a colored in card with a handwritten note to show that they are thought of and loved from school children puts a smile on their faces.”
Various activities are provided by Assisted Home Health and Hospice. Uribe said, “Activities range from cooking classes to flower bouquet making, pet therapy, mini golf putting, toss n talk beach ball games, ice cream socials, arts and crafts, flower potting, etc.”
According to Uribe, “As our world becomes increasingly complex, we believe it’s more important than ever to have given our students the opportunity to have participated in the uplifting week of kindness by having made Valentine cards for seniors. It was a way of sharing a conversation with children about kindness and thinking of others, such as our seniors.”
Are you looking for a new doctor — or specialist — and not sure where to start? Medicare.gov makes it quick and easy to find and compare doctors and other providers in your area.
Here’s how:
Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare. Select “Doctors & clinicians,” and enter your location. You can also search by specialty, like general practice or internal medicine.
Review details about the doctors you’re interested in, like their contact information, practice locations, hospital affiliation, or if they offer telehealth services.
You can also select the “compare” button to compare up to 3 different doctors you’re interested in.
Find & Compare Doctors
Once you’re ready to schedule a visit with a new doctor, be sure to call ahead to verify general information, like office location, if they’re accepting new patients with Medicare, and if you need a referral.
A medication used to treat high blood pressure, did not improve walking performance.
These results challenge previous studies that found telmisartan improved running strength in mice and increased treadmill walking distance in people with PAD.
The new findings also indicated people with PAD could improve their walking performance through exercise.
PAD, a condition that affects leg blood vessels, can decrease mobility. It is characterized by narrowed arteries and is common in older adults, especially among Black individuals. Telmisartan works by blocking a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, enabling the vessels to relax so blood can flow easier. Doctors often recommend the drug to reduce cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, in people with PAD.
A team of researchers from NIA and Northwestern, Tulane, Stanford, and other universities randomly assigned 114 participants who had PAD to either receive telmisartan or a placebo. The average age of participants was 67 years; 40% were women and 71% were Black. Participants were randomly assigned walking exercises on a treadmill three times a week with an expert or one-hour educational sessions on health topics with study personnel. The researchers compared results on the six-minute walk distance between the telmisartan and placebo groups at baseline and at a six-month follow-up. In this test, participants covered as much distance as possible within six minutes. The research team evaluated several measures of speed, performance, and function.
Participants who took telmisartan had lower blood pressure after six months than at the start of the study. However, telmisartan did not improve six-minute walk distance, speed, performance, or function compared with placebo at a six-month follow-up. Instead, the effects of telmisartan trended — albeit insignificantly — toward worse performance on six-minute walk distance compared with placebo. A follow-up analysis, however, did show that exercise improved the six-minute walk distance.
Patients already taking telmisartan or a similar drug were not included in this trial. Future research could explore whether the use of blood pressure drugs is less helpful, and perhaps even harmful, in people living with PAD in the legs who do not have high blood pressure.
Reference: McDermott M, et al. Effect of telmisartan on walking performance in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease: The TELEX randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2022;328(13):1315-1325. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.16797.
Troop 65019 was created with a handful of friends.
by Ross Williams
Troop 65019 was created in December of 2019 with a handful of friends rallying a dozen kindergarteners, with big plans and high hopes. Troop leader Shelly Williams was excited for the group of girls to create lifelong friendships, discover new experiences and to provide them with the tools needed to grow and excel in an ever changing world. “It was a tough start, but we had amazing and committed moms and eager scouts. We hit the ground running.” That was until COVID happened.
The rookie troop moved most of their meetings online for the majority of 2020, continuing their work and learning about the world of community service, creating environmental projects and earning badges via zoom chats on computer screens. As time progressed they slowly began to meet in person, finding new adventures while keeping them outside. Their focus was on wilderness conservation, eco systems and adjusting to the new ways of the world. Learning how to make a difference, even with the boundaries placed before them was a top priority. ”I think I was more saddened for them, and all that had been stripped away. Having to continually say how this plan or goal had to be changed or tweaked due to COVID rules and social distancing. But they didn’t flinch, it showed their resilience, their optimism and taught me just how brave and tough a group of 6-year-olds can truly be.” Said Shelly as she unloaded a trunk full of Girl Scout cookies readying for a new season.
One very large aspect of being a Girl Scout is “Cookie Season.” And that first year their season was cut short. Cookie Season is 3 months of cookie selling madness. From booths in front of local grocery stores, to walking door to door throughout the neighborhood, the girls do their best to raise the funds that they’ll use the rest of the year and build deep connections to their community. “Walking door to door is my favorite part because we get to meet neighbors and hear their stories about Girl Scouts in the olden days and talk to them. Sometimes we get to pet their dogs”. Says the youngest Daisy scout in the Troop.
The girls learn money management, entrepreneurship and people skills, just to name a few. “We have yet to begin Cookie Booths this year, but witnessing them boothing each year has been a favorite part of mine personally. It’s just so amazing to have seen them grow and progress, and the confidence they exude is what Girl Scouts is about. These girls have me in awe all the time.” Says Shelly as she stacks boxes of Thin Mints and Lemonades. “When boothing, the girls are together and feed off of each other’s energy. They get so excited about the process, and genuinely enjoy every bit of it. From unloading to stacking, restocking, helping supporters with their cookie choices, giving change and packing up. They’re doing it all and it’s a party.” Boothing sessions are allocated to different troops at different times and different days. It’s all very organized and systematic. A troop can’t just show up to a shop and set up a booth, they have to be approved.
The hottest cookies every year are the Caramel Delights and of course Thin Mints. “Thin Mints are delicious frozen, crushed and sprinkled over ice cream.” Shelly suggests. This year due to inflation, the cost of cookies went up a dollar a box to $6 each. The troop has no control over costs, and has seen a raised eyebrow or two over the increased costs. But they’re pushing through and pushing those delicious cookies anyway.
“Just remember that it’s absolutely ok to not buy cookies. But a positive word of encouragement goes a long way. A Girl Scout is more than cookies. It’s service, it’s community, it’s effort and kindness. It’s a lifelong bond. It’s not a cookie hustle. It’s for the greater good. And you’ll never hear one of our scouts discouraged if you choose to pass, they will still thank you and wish you a great day”.
Shelly has two daughters, both a Brownie and a Daisy.
For cookie sales, donations and community activity opportunities contact Shelly at [email protected] or you can use the attached QR code.
About one third of older adults have some form of vision problems or loss by age 65, and nearly 50% of people older than 75 have disabling hearing loss. Anosmia, which is the medical term for the decline or loss of smell, can also be a significant blow to quality of life. Still, for most older adults, these common signs of aging don’t affect cognitive health.
Too many older adults consider sensory decline to be something that they must learn to live with, yet there are treatment options available. Scientists are studying whether the risk of cognitive problems can be reduced when these conditions are treated — with glasses, eye surgery, hearing aids, or other health care approaches. Read on to learn how NIA-funded investigators are finding new insights into how the eyes, ears, and nose might be windows into our overall cognitive health.
Alison Abraham, Ph.D., M.S., M.H.S., associate professor of epidemiology and ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Public Health, has long studied the relationship between the eyes and the brain. She is a principal investigator with the NIA-funded Eye Determinants of Cognition (EyeDOC) Study.
Abraham has a family history of vision problems that has fueled her personal interest in how vision loss affects emotional well-being, physical functioning, social interaction, and brain health. In her work, she collaborates with community groups and care providers on strategies for increasing routine vison screening and broadening access to vision care for older adults.
Abraham’s research focuses on the retina, the area at the rear of the eyeball that relays visual information through the optic nerve to the brain. “In the womb, the development of the retina and the brain are closely linked,” said Abraham.
In the EyeDOC study, Abraham uses a noninvasive imaging method called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine the retina. OCT is currently used to diagnose and manage diseases, including diabetes-related retinopathy and glaucoma. Compared to more intrusive brain imaging tests such as MRIs or PET scans, OCT provides an easier, less expensive way to learn about the health, thickness, and architecture of retinal nerves and blood vessels. Initial studies with OCT have shown obvious differences in retinal nerve fiber thickness between cognitively healthy older adults and people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Abraham is continuing studies in this area and is hopeful that OCT could be repurposed to develop retinal biomarkers for earlier screening of people at risk for cognitive impairment. Other researchers found that cataract extraction was significantly associated with a lower risk of dementia development.
“This year is going to be a year of transition, a turning point,” says Matt.
by Ross Williams
At the corner of Poli and North Fir the office of Matthew Jones CFP® sits looking out over the Pacific. There in the Elizabeth Bard Memorial Building the Spanish revival aesthetic leads to a feeling of comfort and calm in an area of life that can often lead to anxiety and stress. Financial planning.
This year is going to be a year of transition. “A turning point,” says Matt as we sit down in his brightly illuminated office. He is warm and welcoming, excited to be able to get into the depths of what he knows the best. Comprehensive financial education and wealth management.
“The market is stabilizing and the current volatility should lead to a bull market later in the year. As such, It’s the perfect time to re-evaluate your current positions and look at how the new year will play out.” Matt provides financial services in partnership with Edward Jones(EJ).
Every year Edward Jones will release a market outlook for the coming year.
Here are Edward Jones key views for 2023
Historically we see higher unemployment than we are currently experiencing at the start of a recession, and the fact that we are not is a good sign.
Unemployment rises but stays below 5%
Although unemployment will be ticking up a little bit, the unemployment rate should remain fairly low. We’ve already been seeing some job cuts especially in tech, but overall the rest of our economy has remained relatively steady.
Core inflation falls, approaching 3% as the year progresses.
Core inflation is inflation of our overall economy with the subtraction of food and energy because energy and food are very volatile.
The Fed pauses when the policy rate hits 5%.
As of mid-January the Fed Funds rate sits at a range of 4.25-4.5%, the Fed may pause when the rate is in the 5% range and discussions of rate cuts could emerge later in the year.
The US Dollar will weaken further.
For many years the US dollar has outperformed. Thus, international markets appear to be undervalued relative to international markets. This transition may benefit an investor whose portfolio is diversified internationally.
“We’re a global economy, aren’t we? And international markets should be a part of any investor’s diversified portfolio.” Matt states. “ We here at Edward Jones offer a range of products to cover all our investors’ bases.”
Bonds are bouncing back.
Fixed income investments, such as bonds and CD’s, are offering higher yields now than they have in many years. As such, it may be the time to adjust these holdings in your portfolio to take advantage of the current opportunity.
Equity leadership becomes more balanced.
Last year, value and defensive sectors such as consumer staples outperformed relative to the traditional growth sectors. Value is still in fashion, but now that growth valuations have come down, we may see more balance between these styles.
We’ve seen some nice increases in how much you can contribute to 401k’s and IRA’s. This is a great time of year to look at contributions and although the market declined in 2022, don’t let that derail you from making your 2023 contributions and even increasing them if you are able. “The market is the only thing that people don’t like to buy when it’s on sale.”
Matthew Jones helps a range of clients solve for many different financial goals. “Investing is for the long term and in many area’s of life, we don’t know what we don’t know, that’s why reaching out to a professional such as a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) to help you navigate today’s complicated and nuanced financial landscape can be a real help.” If you’d like to sit down for a free consultation with Matthew Jones, he’d be happy to provide that help.
Ventura Land Trust (VLT) invites Ventura County artists to submit 2D artwork to celebrate nature and Ventura Land Trust’s 20th anniversary. The deadline for artwork submitted online is February 10th.
Artists are encouraged to use the circle outline of VLT’s logo as the form for a design inspired by Ventura County’s nature and coast. Artwork can explore a broad range of themes, including protection of open spaces, Indigenous cultural heritage, climate, and how community and nature intersect.
A winner will be chosen from each of three categories: kids (2-12), teens (13-17), or adult (18+).
The overall winning design will be revealed at VLT’s birthday party, which will be held at Topa Topa Brewing Company (4880 Colt Street) on February 24th. The winning artwork will be featured on a special edition VLT t-shirt and sticker.
Art contest guidelines and the online submission form can be found at www.venturalandtrust.org/artcontest. The deadline for artwork submitted online is February 10th.
Ventura Land Trust, founded in 2003 as Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, will celebrate its 20th anniversary throughout 2023 with special events and opportunities for the community to be involved in protecting open spaces. A calendar of happenings is available at www.venturalandtrust.org/events.
