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Vol. 15, No. 01 – Oct 6 – Oct 19, 2021 – Opinion/Editorial

∙ Wow, beginning of our 14th year. Hard to believe. My thanks to our readers, advertisers and amazing staff. It’s been a tough year for all of us but better times are coming.

∙ The amount of time that City Council members can speak at the Council meetings has been limited by a council vote of 6-1. Councilmember Mike Johnson was the no vote. There will be a digital timer in future meetings, so discussions don’t run too long.

I can see this being more of a nuisance, and adding confusion, than anything else. Right now, the mayor can advise a council member when their time is up which seems to work just fine in my opinion.

∙ Ventura Unified School District has nearly $21.5 million in federal COVID-19 funding to help students and teachers make up for lost instructional time as presented at the board’s Sept. 21 meeting. The district is considering improvements in air conditioning and sanitation and providing students with more academic support.

The proposals are in a draft plan that all school systems need to consider in order to receive some of the billions of state and federal relief dollars that have been available since the pandemic shut down schools. A plan must be submitted for federal approval before the end of October.

∙ In this issue we have an article about a fundraiser held for Erik Nasarenko to support his 2022 run for Ventura County District Attorney. Erik was selected to the position by a 5-0 vote of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on January 26, 2021 but will have to run next year. A Venturan, Nasarenko served on the Ventura City Council from 2013 to 2021. I will support Erik for election to the post.

∙ On this issue’s cover, we report on a rally held in Ventura (and across the country) to ensure that woman can control their reproductive rights as guaranteed by Roe vs. Wade. I am a big supporter of Roe vs. Wade and women making their own very personal decisions. I certainly the Supreme Court doesn’t reverse it.

∙ Over three hundred people participated in this year’s West Ventura County Walk to End Alzheimer’s held at The Collection at Riverpark on Saturday, Sept. 25. Others supported by walking in their neighborhoods. The event raised more than $118,000 to fund research and local services throughout Ventura County, including support groups, education programs, and a 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900.

∙ The United States reached a pandemic milestone recently passing 700,000 deaths from COVID-19. It took 3 ½ months to go from 600,000 to 700,000 deaths.
∙ Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) has introduced the Gun Suicide Prevention Act to address the prevalence of suicides by firearms. This bill would require firearm manufacturers and retailers to include labels that provide the number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
“The epidemic of gun violence continues to plague communities throughout our country and forever changes the lives of families who have lost someone to gun deaths,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “In fact, two-thirds of gun deaths in the United States are from suicides.”
“That is why I have introduced the Gun Suicide Prevention Act, which aims to combat the alarming suicide rate in our country,” continued Brownley.
∙ Ventura County Fair Board of directors voted to allow an October gun show at the Ventura Fairgrounds. They did vote to not allow “ghost gun” kits that make it possible for people to build firearms without serial numbers.

Lawyers for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (they own the fairgrounds not the city) advised fair leaders they would have to show a legal basis to not allow the Crossroads gun show (Oct. 23-24).

And, speaking of guns. A 16-year-old boy was killed and two other children were hurt in a shooting at a school bus stop in Louisville, Kentucky.
Thirteen people were shot and one person was killed in a shooting at a Kroger in Collierville, TN. The shooter is also dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

If you’ve been reading my article, you know how I feel about guns so I support anything that might reduce gun deaths. People don’t buy guns to kill themselves, but it sure is easier if they own a gun.

∙ This is too funny to not report. A Turkish man who got drunk and wandered into the forest unknowingly joined a search party to find himself. Beyhan Mutlu, 50, who lives in the northwestern Bursa province, was reported missing after he wandered away from his friends. A search operation was formed to find him. Mutlu joined a group of volunteers not realizing he was the person they were searching for. Maybe he got a reward for finding himself.

Speaking of things funny, some folks who are against getting COVID vaccines, are attempting to obtain over-the-counter ivermectin to prevent COVID, which is used to de-worm horses and cows. I think it is important that more humans will not get worms by taking it. Perhaps there are also drugs that prevent people from getting parvo.

∙ Former President Donald Trump skipped anesthesia for a previously unreported 2019 colonoscopy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center so he wouldn’t have to temporarily relinquish his presidential powers, according to The New York Times.

And speaking about Trump, he could be charged with multiple crimes over election interference in Georgia. A report by the Brookings Institution studied publicly available evidence that shows that Trump and his allies attempted to pressure Georgia officials to “change the lawful outcome of the election.”

A key piece of evidence is the call made by Trump on January 3 to Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger. He told him to “find 11,780 votes” to overturn Biden’s win. The report adds that Trump publicly pressured and personally contacted several other officials in Georgia to ask them to help him overturn his loss in the state.

Trump was correct, the results were false. The Arizona Republican election audit has found an even bigger lead for Biden in 2020 election. There is a rumor that Trump is now going to call for an audit of the audit. And if that fails, he will call for an audit of the audit of the audit.

∙ You might think that I am upset that some Democrats are being critical of Biden ( I agree with some of the criticisms). Actually, I am thrilled, as this is what a democracy is all about. Something that never happened with the previous president because of fear of repercussions from him.

∙ Switzerland has voted by a wide margin to allow same-sex couples to marry in a referendum bringing them in line with many other countries in Europe. Official results showed the measure passed with 64.1% of voters in favor. Switzerland has authorized same-sex civil partnerships since 2007.

Supporters said passage would put same-sex partners on equal legal footing with heterosexual couples by allowing them to adopt children together and facilitating citizenship for same-sex spouses. Certainly, all people, regardless of their sexual preference, should have the same societal rights.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Jill Forman

Update from Dolly Knight, Ventura Senior City Librarian

As of the end of September, the majority of events are still virtual. Some are transitioning to outdoor venues at the libraries. The Foster Ukulele Jam is meeting out in front of the library, to the great joy of passers-by. Storytimes at Hill Road will be moving out to the patio. Hill Road’s book club will also meet on the patio.

Always, check with your branch as things change!

One County, One Book (from library press release)

The Ventura County Library is proud to announce its fourth annual One County, One Book community reading program in October. One County, One Book aims to unite the Ventura County community around a common narrative, spreading interest in and facilitating discussions about the selected book. This year’s One County, One Book selection is Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha; per its official web site, the book is “A powerful and taut novel about racial tensions in L. A., following two families—one Korean-American, one African-American—grappling with the effects of a decades-old crime.” It is also based on a real event.
I have read this book and found it mesmerizing.

Book Author talk and Q&A will take place virtually via Zoom at 2pm on October 30, 2021. A Faculty Panel Discussion presented by California Lutheran University, will be at 6pm on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Be sure to register for these events (information below.)

To participate in One County, One Book, pick up a copy of Your House Will Pay from one of our 12 library branches or our Mobile Library. In addition to our regular holdings, beginning in September each library will have an Honor Book Shelf set up with additional copies. You can take one of these special copies to read and return it when you are done—or pass it on to a friend. You can even donate a new copy for others!

Once you have read the book you will be ready for our October events. Visit our website at www.vencolibrary.org/library-events for more information as programs are scheduled.
All events associated with One County, One Book are free and open to the public.

Note from Online Bookstore Manager Leslie Bellmore

If you can’t find what you are looking for at Ventura Friends of the Library’s Foster Bookstore, try our Online Bookstore at venturafriendsofthelibrary.org! The Online Bookstore began during the closures as a way to get good books out to those of you who needed them, but now that things are open again volunteers are finding it is a great way to offer materials that don’t fit at Foster Bookstore.  You will now find Graphic Novels, Comic Books, and Vintage book selections online!  Of course, you will still also find great quality reading selections in both fiction and non-fiction for youth and adults, puzzles and audiobooks as well. Just order and pick up at Foster in as little as two days.

Donor turnout sharply declines while patient needs remain high

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood and platelet shortage and must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month for the blood supply to recover and meet hospital and patient needs. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now and, in the weeks, ahead to overcome this current shortage.

Blood donor turnout has reached the lowest levels of the year as many delayed giving amid a return to the workplace and in-person learning, as well as a recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country due to the delta variant. As cases spiked in August, blood donor participation decreased about 10%, but blood product distributions to hospitals have remained strong, significantly outpacing blood donations in recent weeks.

The national Red Cross blood inventory is the lowest it’s been at this time of year since 2015, with less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks. The supply of types O positive and O negative blood, the most needed blood types by hospitals, dropped to less than a half-day supply at times over the last month − well below the ideal five-day supply.

Don’t wait. People across the country depend on the generosity of blood donors. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All those who come to donate in October will receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby’s® Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

10/7/2021: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Ventura County Credit Union, 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, #100

10/12/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Ventura Center for Spiritual Living, 101 S Laurel St

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Shipping companies receive awards for slowing to protect blue whales

Whale seen from Island Packers whale cruise. Photo by David Beeninga

The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program recognized 16 global shipping companies for reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Southern California Region in 2020.

The voluntary program is an initiative to cut air pollution, protect endangered whales, and reduce underwater noise. The 2020 program ran from May 15, 2020 through November 15, 2020.

Three award tiers and financial incentives recognize participating companies, based on the percent of distance their fleet traveled through the Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones at speeds of 10 knots or less. Credit was only given if the average speed of a transit through an entire VSR Zone did not exceed 12 knots.

“We are delighted to be able to set an industry example by voluntarily reducing vessel speeds in areas where endangered whale species regularly feed, helping us improve the way we do business, while continuing to deeply care for our environment,” said Stanley Kwiaton, MSC General Manager of Port Operations – West Coast.

MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, Yang Ming, and MOL ACE notably achieved the Sapphire tier in the large company category (greater than 30 transits) by slowing down more than 800 transits, combined. Swire Shipping achieved the Sapphire tier in the small company category (less than 30 transits). For their outstanding commitment, all five of these companies earned the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Whale Tail award.

“Biodiversity is an integral part of our sustainability strategy,” said Wolfram Guntermann, Director Regulatory Affairs & Sustainability at Hapag-Lloyd, calling the program a “remarkable initiative.”

Seven companies – COSCO Shipping Lines, Evergreen, GALI, “K” Line, Maersk, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, and Swire Shipping – generously declined their financial incentive payment. Those funds will be reinvested in the 2021 program.

The 10-knot target follows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) and the United States Coast Guard’s request for all vessels (300 gross tons or larger) to slow down during the months of peak blue, humpback, and fin whale abundance to protect these endangered whales from deadly ship strikes.

Ship strikes continue to be a global threat to all large whale populations. Reducing fatal ship strikes is a major priority of NOAA’s, especially in NOAA’s West Coast national marine sanctuaries.

“One of Yang Ming’s priorities has been promoting the sustainability of the ocean and coastal environments,” said Leo Chiang, Vice President of Marine Operations. “That is why we take immense pride in being a volunteer in the Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program.”

Ocean-going vessels transiting the California coast generate nitrogen oxides (NOx, a precursor to smog), sulfur oxides (SOx), particle pollution, and greenhouse gases. These vessels account for more than 200 tons of NOx per day emitted off the coast of California, which affects ozone levels onshore in many regions of the state.

The VSR incentive program has expanded in scope and environmental benefits each year, including 2020, which marked the sixth year. The 2021 program began on May 15, 2021, and runs through November 15, 2021. Eighteen companies are currently enrolled in the 2021 program.

The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program is a collaborative effort by Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District; Ventura County Air Pollution Control District; Bay Area Air Quality Management District; Channel Islands, Greater Farallones, and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries; The Volgenau Foundation; California Marine Sanctuary Foundation; Greater Farallones Association; National Marine Sanctuary Foundation; and Environmental Defense Center.

For more information about the program, visit www.bluewhalesblueskies.org or www.ourair.org/air-pollution-marine-shipping.

Note: To get a close up view of the local whales (and dolphins) check out the Island Packers Cruises at islandpackers.com

Ventura has had some strange holidays over the years

by Richard Senate

HUTASH . Perhaps the first holiday was celebrated by the Chumash people, perhaps well over a thousand years ago. The Chumash had a very accurate calendar, and this harvest festival was celebrated on the 29th of September. It was the most important holiday of the Native Chumash people. It was a time of feasting and special dances with each of the brotherhood performing important religious dances. They would decorate and set up special feather poles, decorated with multicolored birds’ feathers. Between the two a line flew elaborate feather banger flow to the music and chanting. It was a time of games and song. The Spanish who came saw all of the Natives celebrating and, looking at their calendar’s and they saw that September 29th happens to fall on San Miguel Day, September 29th. So, the Spanish held their own events on that day too.

SAN MIGUEL DAY, Celebrates St. Michael the archangel who defeated Satan. This holiday had processions that went from the old Mission church to the chapel of San Miguel that once stood on the corner of Palm and Thompson streets, in Ventura. It started with a high Mass and went into that sport beloved by European and Chumash alike—horse racing (Many of the best jockeys were Chumash). They would line up along what is today Thompson and race in a straight away race. The betting was fast and furious and legends say whole ranchos could change ownership on the outcome of one race. It was also a time of feasting and, after sundown, large fandango was held. Later they added bullfighting to the day’s afternoon activities. They would fence off Main Street and the matadors would face the bull as locals watched. These were not true bullfights for, because bulls were expensive, they were never killed. The Yankees came and saw all the Latino people having fun and they set the start of the County Fair at September 29—that was done was for many years.

JUDAS DAY Good Friday, evening. This is perhaps the strangest holiday celebrated at the old Missions. On Holy Week, a wicker statue of Judas Iscariot was hung on a gibbet in front of the church and members of the congregation were encouraged to beat the image with a stick. The statue was stuffed full of fireworks. That night it would be set on fire and when the flames hit the fireworks it would go out in an explosion of rockets and bombs. This started Judas night when the spirit of Judas was released from Hell to walk the land and cause people to do sinful things like drink, party, and have a good time. It was not your fault—Judas made me do it. People played tricks and did pranks, a bit like our April Fools Day. One of the things people did was steal things—embarrassing things like underwear and such. When morning came Judas was returned to the underworld. The the revelers, now sober, would place all the items they took on the steps of the Old Mission where a crowd gathered to watch people collect their things to many rude comments and laughter. It was a bit of fun in the middle of Holy Week.

Maybe one of these holidays should be brought back and enjoyed today, well, maybe not Judas Day.

Vol. 15, No. 01 – Oct 6 – Oct 19, 2021 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday
9/14

 9:55pm, contacted by individuals who lost an iPhone on the beach near Surfers Knoll. Officers assisted with the search and were able to locate the lost phone.

Wednes
9/15

 11:00am, officers giving a tour of harbor and memorial to the family and grandchildren of Harbor Patrol Officer Paul Korber who died in the line of duty during a water rescue of a family in the South Jetty rip current in 1998.

Thursday
9/16

 10:56am, dispatched to a sick person at Le Petit Café in Harbor Village. Officers responded in Harb 1 with AMR/VFD to assist in treatment of the patient..

Friday
9/17

 7:02am, dispatched to a fall victim in the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded with VFD/AMR to treat an older male with a laceration to forehead and lip. First aid was rendered to the wounds and patient transported to hospital.

8:29am, received report of a hazardous condition in the Ventura Keys. Officers responded and found workers demolishing a cement dock and throwing the debris into the harbor. Officers halted the work, contacted Ventura code compliance to enforce pollution violation. Keys are the jurisdiction of Ventura.

9:50pm, dispatched to traumatic injury on a boat heading back to Harbor, District Longdock. Officers responded with AMR/VFD to extricate/treat a patient with broken leg/laceration from collision. The patient was transported.

Sunday
9/19

 12:05pm, received a request for assistance to capture an injured pelican at the S/C Rivermouth. Responded, captured bird and transported volunteer to vehicle.

Tuesday
9/20

 9:47am, dispatched to a fall victim at Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and lifted the patient, no medical occurred during the fall.

10:49am, observed a thick heavy fog bank rolling in, visibility less than 1/8 mile

Thursday
9/23

 6:23pm, received a request for impounded property, an electric bike from several months ago. Officers confirmed the property was still at the District. The individual recovered from a major medical, he will pick the bike up soon

Saturday
9/25

 6:00am, observed: National Scholastic Surfing Association putting on Southwest Open season surfing contest at South Beach near the Surfers Knoll Jetty. Hundreds of competitors competing from Mini Groms to Open Mens, boys and girls from all over the State of California. The contest continues tomorrow.

9:27pm, received request from a 70ft sailboat looking for accommodations. Officers were able to find a slip in Ventura Harbor Village for the vessel.

Sunday
9/26

 10:45am, received a report of nuisance sea lions on most of the demolished Ventura Isle Marina F-docks. Officers responded but were unable to mitigate the issue, just too many mammals. NOAA has a list online of reasonable methods for property and boat owners to remove sealions from their property.

Monday
9/27

 7:50am, received a report of a suspicious vessel, possibly a panga near Little Rincon. Officers responded in Fireboat to investigate the report. When officers arrived on scene, they found a local commercial fishing vessel retrieving traps.

4:45pm, received 911 relay report from CHP of a large sailboat adrift in the sand trap, in danger of colliding with the North jetty and Breakwall. Officers investigated and found the owner was moving from outside to inside breakwall.

 

October events are scheduled for Betsy Blanchard Chess and “Daughter of the Land.”

Betsy Chess presents captivating vignettes of her many relatives and their impact on Santa Paula.

Betsy Blanchard Chess will speak about the history of agriculture in Ventura County and her new book, “Daughter of the Land.” Ms. Chess is fourth generation farming and ranching in the county. Her family started and still operates Limoneira, one of the leading distributors of lemons, avocados, and other produce throughout America and internationally. Ms. Chess is a longtime champion and friend of Ventura County agriculture.

The event will be at the Foster Library in on Sunday, October 24, and presented by the Friends of the Library. There will be a display of historical pictures and artifacts featured in the book. Ms. Chess begins speaking at 1:45 for twenty minutes, and then a Q&A will follow. Learn about the state of Foster Library during the Pandemic and how it continues to serve the community. This is a free event. Ms. Chess will have copies of the book for sale.

In “Daughter of the Land,” Betsy Chess presents captivating vignettes of her many relatives and their impact on Santa Paula and the verdant Santa Clara Valley of Ventura County. She provides insight into marginalized communities that for 125 years have constituted the majority of the workforce for the citrus capital of the world. Daughter of the Land sweeps readers through almost 200 years of a family’s history yet is grounded in hard work and delight of life on the ranch. It presents a unique view, in words and pictures, of a way of living that no longer exists.

For more information about the book, visit BetsyChess.com.

Tree Town

Celebrate “Oaktober”!

On October 28, ten new oak trees will be planted along the bike path at the Ventura Community Park to shade five benches. This is the beginning of a project to add an oak grove of 50 trees to the west side of the park. There will be a fun volunteer opportunity to come help with planting and mulching, after the city crew digs the holes and places the trees.

Our fundraising goal is $10,000 to purchase the trees and have them delivered to the park. We would appreciate the community’s support to help beautify the park, and provide much-needed shade to this area.

We have other good news! The Ventura Tree Alliance has provided information and training to individuals who are interested in Ventura Water’s recycled water program, so they can help water the city’s drought-challenged young trees.

Please celebrate “Oaktober” with us by donating or volunteering, as we add to Ventura’s tree canopy!

Please visit www.venturatreealliance.com to volunteer or donate!

Credit union’s philanthropic organization offers financial support to local nonprofits

The Foundation of VCCU, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), gave a total of $40,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofit organizations to support their efforts on behalf of the community.

“Each of these nonprofits is doing incredible work to support the Ventura County community,” said The Foundation’s board president, Alma Medina. “They are making a meaningful difference every day in so many vital causes, and we are honored to contribute to their efforts.”

Among the grant recipients were the Ventura County Family Justice Center, Students for Eco-Education & Agriculture, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, Mercy House Living Centers, Moorpark College Foundation, Health Care Foundation for Ventura County, No Limits Theatre Group, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Turner Foundation, and Assistance League of Conejo Valley.

The Foundation honored the grant recipients at a virtual celebration held on Sept. 15. Representatives from all 10 nonprofits were in attendance.

Since its founding in 2015, The Foundation has provided a total of more than $200,000 in grants to support nonprofits serving the Ventura and Santa Barbara County communities. The Foundation’s giving focuses on the underserved, the beautification and preservation of the environment, and the health and well-being of the region.

For more information about VCCU and The Foundation, visit http://www.vccuonline.net.

Tips to help older adults learn how to reduce risk for falls

Uneven stairs can result in dangerous falls.

by Dr. Daman Jamarai, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare, Southern California

As we age, we begin to learn – sometimes firsthand – how devastating a fall can be. It isn’t quite as easy as it once was to hop back up and continue on our way.

Each year millions of older adults experience falls and fall-related injuries. California ranked 20thth in a state-to-state comparison with 25.4 percent of adults age 65+ reporting a fall in the past 12 months, according to new local data from the 2021 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report.

About one in four people in the United States over age 65 reports falling each year. Among older adults, 1 out of 5 falls causes a serious injury, including 90% of hip fractures and 51% of traumatic brain injuries.

Contributing factors for falls include poor balance, poor vision, certain medications, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, osteoporosis, physical disabilities and general frailty.

Being aware of the risk factors and following these tips can reduce your chances of serious injury, and help you maintain and improve the quality of your health and remain independent.

Medications: Any time you get a new prescription, ask your pharmacist or doctor about side effects like dizziness or drowsiness that can affect balance.

Review Your Health Benefits: As we approach the Medicare annual enrollment period in October, older adults should consider whether their current plan includes programs that can help reduce the chances of a fall. Many Medicare Advantage plans, for example, include benefits that Original Medicare does not cover that can help reduce the risk of falls like vision and hearing benefits; gym memberships; and disease management programs.

Stay Active – Do exercises that can strengthen your legs and improve balance. Many Medicare plans offers benefits to help seniors stay active like UnitedHealthcare’s fitness program RenewActive®, which includes access to balance classes.

Talk to Your Provider: A health care provider can help assess and reduce your fall risk. Medicare-eligible individuals can access care through an Annual Wellness Visit, which is free to anyone on Medicare. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members can take advantage of the HouseCalls program, which brings an annual health assessment to the convenience and privacy of home, at no additional cost.

Footwear – Make sure your shoes fit, have good traction, and are comfortable. See a doctor if you are experiencing foot pain.

Check Your Home – Most falls happen at home. Remove clutter, fix steps that are uneven and make sure there is adequate lighting. Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom and on stairways. Use a cane, walker, crutches or other support if needed.

Falls can present a more significant health threat than many may realize, but by understanding risk factors and how to reduce them, older adults can empower themselves to live healthier lives.