It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away.  It seems like only recently the warmth drenched our skin, children reveled in outdoor activities, and almost everyone was sporting shorts.  Now, the first significant snow has already fallen, temperatures hover in the 40’s, and people are preparing for the festive season ahead (once Halloween passes, the holidays come so quickly!).

As we ready ourselves for family gatherings and cheer, let’s look at some reasons to be thankful.

• Life. Everyone’s life is precious, no matter what stage a person is in.  Therefore, we should reflect upon this gift with gratitude, happiness and certainty in knowing that despite our occasional missteps, we are worthy.
• Shelter.  Each morning we wake up to walls we recognize and a roof that shelters our heads: we call this place home.  In this recognizable space, whether modest or grand, reside our hopes, dreams, and feelings of security.
• Family.  We’ve all heard the saying, “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your relatives.”  Sure, we may not always see “eye to eye” with all of our family members, but chances are we wouldn’t pick anyone else to take their place.
• Friends. So, we do pick our friends, but aren’t we blessed to have them?  Friends share our laughter, our tears, and our joy.  They support us in good times, lend a listening ear in difficult periods, and just seem to make life better!
• Food.  Each day we stare into our refrigerators and pick out what we want to eat.  Sadly, some individuals scrounge for every morsel.  Let us always be thankful for the food we have before us.
• Flowers. Flowers do more than give us oxygen; they dress the landscape with color and beauty.  And, while they visually adorn the earth, we are afforded the opportunity to inhale their splendor!  Isn’t it impossible to imagine a world without flowers?
• Creatures.  We observe our furry and feathered friends scurry across the lawn; instinctively, many of us smile.  Their simplicity and innocence seems to make stresses a little less burdensome.

The above are a few of the many reasons to live a spirit of Thanksgiving.  True, there will always be someone with more money, better health, greater intelligence, and higher achieving children, but should that matter?  A fundamental ingredient to happiness is to be thankful for what we have.  And, when many of us stop to reflect, we realize we have a lot.

The last time we examined a few ways to cut costs during leaner times.  This week we will continue with some additional economical ideas.

• Pay the mortgage bi-weekly.  If you pay a monthly mortgage, you may be able to reduce the number of payments by checking with your lender to find out if they have a bi-weekly payment plan (you pay the same amount, only half of the mortgage is submitted mid month).  Still, in order for this type of arrangement to fully work in your favor, the lender must immediately credit the mid month payment (so be sure to carefully explore the lender’s guidelines).  The result if done properly?  Impressively fewer mortgage payments!  For example, a 30-year loan may take only 24 years to pay off!

• Visit the library. So, you enjoy reading, watching movies, and even downloading books onto your e-reader?  Then dust off your library card (assuming it’s dusty) and borrow the items for free.  Taking advantage of town benefits always makes sense, but it especially prudent when money is tight. A bonus?  No one will rush you out the door if you want to stay for a while.  You can peruse the book shelves, sit and read for hours, or grab a novel and run; it’s completely up to you.  An added perk?  You can extend the length of time you have access to the books you checked out simply by calling the library.  And movies?  There’s typically an impressive collection, although the borrowing window is generally much shorter.

• Entertain at home. Years ago, friends loved to congregate at each other’s homes and enjoy an evening of fun.  They shared a cocktail or two, played bridge and other interesting games, or just chatted about worldly events while savoring wine and munchies.  In recent years, meeting up outside the home for dinner and entertainment has become more fashionable, but this can be pricey, especially if it happens regularly.  In fact, many restaurants charge in the vicinity of $10 for one glass of wine.  Multiply that by a table of 4, and there goes $40 just for drinks (and that’s not including the tip!).  Then, if bowling, dancing, or movie tickets are thrown into the mix, the evening becomes even more expensive.  Because of this, consider bringing back the entertainment patterns of the past, at least some of the time.  You will not only save some money, you’ll also have a lot of fun!

• Leave credit cards in the drawer.  At one time, people relied on cash.  If they didn’t have the money to buy something, they didn’t buy it.  Today, that mentality is passé.  What changed?  Well, credit cards are relatively easy to get and even easier to pull out.  And, where individuals used to have one card they carried with them on special occasions, countless people today carry multiple cards and use them freely.  As we know, the funds do not have to be sitting in the bank to cover the purchase because the bill doesn’t arrive until the following month.  Nevertheless, once it does come, some cardholders pay only the minimum due, and interest rates inflate the balance.  Yes, plastic is convenient, but it’s not always wise.  An exception?  When you use credit cards primarily for essentials and pay the complete balance at the end of the month (so interest does not accrue); credit cards can then work for you instead of against you.

Thriftiness makes sense, especially during uncertain times.  Carefully monitoring your cash flow can leave you feeling a little more secure.

Few people can say we’re not living in uncertain times.  The stock market is erratic, banks seem unstable, jobs are scarce, sure things are not so sure anymore; and, at least for some, the Golden Years are not so golden.

What can we do?  Here are some money-saving tips.

• Downsize.  You have a three-bedroom home with a sizable yard and multiple bathrooms, but the kids are gone and it’s only the two of you?  Then consider downsizing.  True, it’s not a seller’s market right now, but if you’re using the proceeds from the sale to purchase a smaller property, then you will likely make out on the buying end.  An added bonus?  Fewer square feet means lower property taxes, lower heating costs, and a lower electric bill.

• Dine out less often. Eating out is kind of fun because you are waited on, you have so many food items to choose from, and you don’t have to cook.  Still, frequent restaurant stops can add up.  If this is an area you feel you can compromise, make an effort to dine out less often.  Case in point?  If you eat out four times per week, try to cut it down to two or three.  If you eat out twice a week, attempt to go out only once.  It’s amazing the amount of money you can save when you dine in.

• Redevelop your wardrobe. Some people love buying new clothes, but this can get expensive, even when the items are on sale.  A thought?  Stay away from stores as much as possible and keep your good-condition clothing clean and ready to wear.  For example, a dark-colored suit, little black dress, brown pants, and gray skirt are all pretty universal.  Instead of buying replacements, spruce up what you already own with alternating accessories.  Rotate the shirt, belt, jewelry, tie, etc., so every time you wear the outfit, it looks fresh and exciting.  Even coats we’ve had for years seem more thrilling when paired with changing scarves.

• Go economical. If your car is paid off and running well, you probably don’t want to invest in another, even if the gas mileage isn’t so great.  However, when it does come time to trade in your vehicle, search for a car that is good on gas.  Filling a tank these days can cost in excess of $70.  If you drive 300 to 350 miles per week (and that’s how far your tank will get you), then you’re spending $70 a week on gas.  Yet, if you choose a car that goes 650 miles on a tank of gas, you’re spending $70 every other week; and that’s a savings of $140 a month!  Even some luxury automobiles now offer impressive gas mileage.

• Resist impulse purchases.  We live in a consumerism environment, and little is going to change that fact.  Still, we control of our finances, so there are certain things we can manage.  If you find yourself regularly drawn to gadgets, golf balls, software games, clothing, books, and other types of goods you may not need (or already have), wait a day or two before making the purchase.  Sometimes when we pause, the merchandise no longer looks as desirable.  Even if we rationalize the item is only $10, $10 multiplied by twenty items we could have done without equals $200!

There are many ways to cut back in harder times.  And, once we get used to the newer behavior, many of us adjust quite nicely.

Next time we will continue with some additional money saving tips.   But until then, enjoy the foliage!

Do you want to carry your own personal library in a backpack, purse, pocket, or computer bag?  Do you want the collection to have remarkable storage space?  Do want to take in excess of 100 books with you on any given journey?  Hmm, then maybe e-books are for you.

The earliest manifestations of electronic books date back decades.  However, this primitive ancestor to the current e-book was typically read on computer screens and developed mainly for specialty markets.

When did the modern e-book hit the marketplace?  As we saw before, Amazon introduced Kindle in 2007.  This e-reader was a hit, and e-books took on a life of their own.
But print books are great, so why would anyone want an e-reader to read e-books?

Here are some reasons:

• You can take e-readers anywhere you go (e.g., planes, trains, doctors’ offices, automobiles).
• Storage capacity from one e-reader to another varies but is typically amazing.  For example, you can amass a sizable book collection that weighs less than 10 ounces.
• E-books save trees.
• A simple touch of the e-reader screen can transport you from Dicken’s A Tale of Two Cities to Bell’s (a.k.a. Bronte) Jane Eyre.
• You can adjust the font size; if it’s too small, make it bigger, if it’s too big, make it smaller.
• You can read in bed without bulky book jackets or featherweight pages flipping all over the place.
• E-books tend to be less expensive.
• Some e-readers now allow you to borrow e-books from the library (naturally, you will need a library card).

What about the cons?  Here are a few.

• E-books do not wrap well, so giving them as gifts is not exciting.
• They need to be charged; if there’s a power outage and the battery is dead, find another activity to pass the time.
• Certain e-books may eventually need to be converted to other file styles.
• Some formatted e-books are not adaptable to all e-readers.
• You must pay for an e-reader to read the e-book (unless you choose to get an e-reader application on your computer or mobile device).
• Like any other electronic device, e-readers can break down.

Since Kindle’s arrival, other e-readers have entered the scene.  In 2009, Barnes and Noble put out The Nook, Sony released The Reader Touch and The Reader Pocket Edition, Amazon introduced the Kindle DX, and Bookeen  launched Cybook Opus.  In 2010 and 2011, additional newcomers graced the shelves.

E-books are still not as popular as print books; in 2010, they represented less than 9% of the market.  Nonetheless, they maintain a loyal following, and the numbers are rising.

So, are e-books the literary future?  Who knows?  However, if the current information is correct, it appears they’re here to stay.

Recent studies have indicated that chronic inflammation could in part be responsible for the development of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

What causes chronic inflammation?  Assorted factors apparently are to blame.  For example, toxins, stress, inactivity, poor diet, and genetics are some of the suspected culprits.

How can chronic inflammation be addressed?  Here are some dietary ways to reduce the risk.

• Food choices. What we put in our bodies plays a significant role in our well-being.  People who regularly consume fast food, processed meats, fatty snacks, and greasy meals do not fare nearly as well on the health scale than individuals who eat more wisely.  In fact, these people are leaving themselves open to an increased risk of obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other unwanted conditions.  In short, food matters!  Which selections tend to be best?  Fermented soy, leafy vegetables, assorted mushrooms, fresh fruits, extra-virgin olive oil, cold-water fish, green and black tea, nuts, and red wine (in moderation) are good choices.  At the same time, it is also important to buy organic whenever feasible.  As we know, organic crops are those that have not been sprayed with pesticides.

• Vitamins and nutrients.  Naturally, the optimal way for getting essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in the body is by eating whole foods: fresh vegetables and fruits are especially good choices.  Still, regular access to fresh food is not always possible for some people.  Because of this, high-quality supplements may be needed.  Which types are best in fighting inflammation?  Ones that contain vitamins C, D, and E, folic acid, selenium, carotenoids, fish oil, coQ10, tumeric or cucumin, garlic, and ginger.  NOTE:  Always check with your doctor before taking supplements: certain types may interfere with medication or exacerbate the effects of certain drugs (like blood thinners).

• Fiber. Fiber deserves a category all its own because its benefits are amazing.  Regular intake of this wonder has been thought to decrease conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, and certain cancers.  Which type of fiber is best in combating inflammation?  The soluble variety like those found in beans, oat bran, lentils, apples, nuts, seeds, and strawberries.  Insoluble types like those found in whole grains and wheat bran also serve a purpose because they tend to get things moving along in our digestive tract.  Taking in between 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day, with approximately 2/3 coming from the soluble assortment, is thought to be positive.  Interestingly, while other carbohydrates, like white flour and sugar, should be shunned as much as possible, soluble fiber carbs are definitely not bad guys.

There are other ways to minimize inflammation in addition to food.  Exercise, yoga, and tossing the cigarettes (if you smoke) reinforce an anti-inflammatory diet.

Chronic inflammation?  Who needs it?

Coconuts are a delightful fruit that sometimes seem hard to find.  When they are located, people feel they can only indulge in small quantities because this delight is high in saturated fat.  While it’s true that most saturated fats, particularly the animal variety, may not be so good for us, recent studies have suggested certain vegetable/fruit versions might not be bad after all (and neither are their oils!)

Let’s look at what the newer coconut oil info is suggesting.

• Weight loss. Okay, this seems counter intuitive; a food high in saturated fat that helps us lose weight?  Well, some studies suggest this is the case.  Coconut oil is believed to boost the metabolism (which in turn burns calories).  And, speaking of calories, coconut oil has fewer calories than some other fats.  An added bonus?  Enhanced energy!
• Stronger immune system.  Coconut oil contains antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal benefits.  The lauric acid in coconut oil is believed to convert into properties that work to counteract conditions like skin infections, ulcers, stomach upset, herpes, and the list goes on.  Some studies have even indicated coconut oil could be beneficial for more serious conditions like HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, and syphilis.
• Heart health.  How is it possible that a product with over 90% saturated fat can be helpful to the heart?  Again, lauric acid is believed to be the reason.  Coconut oil contains around 50% lauric acid, and lauric acid helps guard against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and assorted heart problems.  It’s also alleged to help prevent arterial wall buildup (nonetheless, everything in moderation).
• Skin Superstar? When applied topically, this oil is a fabulous moisturizer.  Skin appears softer, younger, hydrated, and better balanced.  Compared to the price of anti-aging products, it’s truly an economical way to go.  Coconut oil is also thought to provide benefits for psoriasis, ringworm, age spots, dandruff, eczema, and skin infections.

Which type of coconut oil is best?  Organic extra-virgin coconut oil.  It can be found online and in some health food stores.  It’s a fantastic skin conditioner, frying oil, and supplement.

So, what really makes this oil such a marvel?  It seems to boil down to fatty acids.  Many fat/oil products, whether animal or plant-based, contain long-chain fatty acids (LCFA).  Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA).  Studies suggest that medium-chain fatty acids are better for the body and help protect against (or address) a variety of symptoms and/or conditions.  An added benefit?  There does not appear to be any unpleasant side effects.  Still, always check with your doctor if you are using this product for any kind of ailment.

Coconut oil?  It’s definitely worth a look!

Last week we covered a few fall festivals taking place in September.  This week we will continue with some additional autumn events.

• Festival of Ale.  This popular happening takes place at the Higgins Armory Museum on Barber Avenue in Worcester on September 24 from 6 to 9.  Over twenty New England brewers will be presenting more than seventy deliciously-crafted brews.  Anything else on hand?  Yes!  Food, music, and raffles will also be included.  The cost for this evening of entertainment is $35 in advance and $10 for non-drinkers (i.e., designated drivers).  The Festival of Ale usually sells out ahead of time, so if you have an interest, go to www.higgins.org ASAP for additional info.

• Autumn Wine Celebration.  Beer not your thing?  Then perhaps wine will balance your palate.  This evening of aromatic enjoyment offers a bouquet of treasures and takes place at Wachusett Mountain on Saturday, November 5.  The event is sure to please both the sommelier-types and those who prefer just a little sip of vineyard bliss every now and then.  Over 200 wines will be featured, and there will be food tastings presented by area restaurants: live jazz music complements the enchantment.  Admission is $35 in advance and $45 at the door.  There’s even a Wine Tasters Package that includes a four-course dinner paired with artfully selected wines.  The cost for this option?  Seventy-nine dollars in advance. NOTE: The Wine Tasters Package is not available for purchase at the door.

• Kidfest. So, you have your grandchildren for the weekend?  Then head over to Wachusett Mountain on September 24 and/or 25 for the Kidfest.  There are numerous activities for children of all ages; even big kids will have a great time (i.e., grandparents).  Clowns, games, laser tag, pony rides, climbing walls, entertainment, sky rides, music, food (and the like) are included in this fun-filled weekend.  Adult admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door.  Child admission (ages 3-12) is $4 in advance and $6 at the door.  The sky ride is an extra cost, and certain package deals are available.  To learn more, go to www.wachusett.com.

• Spirit of Shrewsbury.  This exhilarating fall festival is a town-wide celebration!  Varied events take place on September 30, October 1, and October 2 and include a hometown gathering, Jack-O-Lantern display, pancake breakfast, scarecrow contest, fishing derby,  Oak Street Expo, artisans, crafters, raffles, music, food, 1830 Brick Schoolhouse and Museum Open House with slide show and refreshments, Artemas Ward Barn Open House with outdoor concert, parade, senior recognition tribute, and so much more!  Go to www.spiritofshrewsbury.com for event times and details.

Fall is filled with a multitude of delightful activities, and there’s something for just about everyone.  So, get out and enjoy!

The unofficial summer finale has officially passed.  After Labor Day, everyone seems to think about the fall!  Department stores sport long sleeve tops, plaids skirts, woolen jackets, and nearly everyone is subject to back-to-school ads.

Alas, for some of us, a type of mourning accompanies the changing of the seasons.  It’s not so much we will miss the hazy, crazy, lazy days of this high-temperature time, some of us actually prefer cooler weather.  Instead, many of us realize that a cold winter lies ahead.  And, with the way winter has been revealing itself, we will likely need our coats, scarves, and gloves well into April.

Nonetheless, fall has so many attributes to celebrate, so let’s focus on one season at a time.  It offers comfortable days, cool nights, and breathtakingly beautiful scenery.  Instead of grieving summer’s departure, let’s rejoice in autumn’s arrival!

So, what’s there to do?  Fall festivals undoubtedly spice up this period.  Here are some local ideas.

• Blackstone Canalfest ‘11.  No one is suggesting you hop a transatlantic flight to romantic Venice; still, you don’t have to!  Worcester has its own dreamy canal district on Harding Street with a yearly festival to boot.  This free to the public event takes place on September 10 and offers an exciting day for the entire family.  Horse and buggy rides, musical entertainment, culinary fare from area restaurants, kayak journeys, raffles, historical data about the region and much more will be available.  An added perk?  Parking will be available to festival-goers at the Union Station Parking Garage for only $1!
• Harvard Fall Festival.  This event began some 20-something years ago as a modest craft fair but mushroomed into a fabulous festival!  It runs three consecutive days, September 16, 17 and 18, and is sure to please the toughest critic.  For example, on 9/16 beginning at 5 p.m., local bands will be competing for the festival’s top honor.  On 9/17, crafts, live music, food, etc., will be offered (did anyone say BBQ?).  Nighttime enjoyment features Beatlejuice, food, and fireworks.  The festival wraps up on 9/18 with a classic auto show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Yikes, it does sound like fun!!!
• stART on the Street.  Want to visit the largest festival in Central Massachusetts?  Then head over to stART on the Street located on Park Ave. in Worcester on September 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  This popular ninth-year happening will again boast artists, crafters, food vendors, music, entertainment, etc.  Information booths will be on hand should anyone have questions, and parking can be found on side streets and lots surrounding Park Avenue.

A number of other festivals are taking place in the Worcester area during the fall.  For further information, go to www.centralmass.org.

Let’s be honest, despite the fact winter tends to overextend its welcome in these parts, it is undoubtedly charming, as well.  Nevertheless, September 23 marks the official beginning of autumn, so let’s celebrate this soon-to-arrive season without sweating the cold stuff.

Next time we’ll look at some additional fall happenings.  But until then, cider anyone?

Some people experience mouth problems as they become older.  These situations can be inconvenient, embarrassing, painful, and downright irritating!

What issues could occur?  Here are some possibilities.

• Discoloration. Repeated intake of certain foods or drinks like blueberries, cherries, tea, coffee, etc., can cause significant staining to the teeth.  Because of this, it is best to clean teeth immediately after meals.  Some toothpaste companies include ingredients such as baking soda to reduce surface stains.  Naturally, regular flossing and brushing are extremely important when it comes to staving off discoloration, as are twice-yearly dental hygienist appointments (hygienists get teeth sparkly!).

• Strange tastes.  Some individuals experience an altered sense of taste as the years pass on.  This can be frustrating because foods that once seemed appetizing no longer offer the same enjoyment.  Certain medications can drastically affect taste in some people, so this is one possibility.  At the same time, a diminished sense of smell occasionally accompanies taste alterations.  If food is beginning to taste strange to you, consult with your doctor.  He/she will likely strive to discover the cause.  If the reason cannot be determined, then you may be referred to an ears, nose, and throat specialist.  Independent of all of that, use certain nasal sprays with care.  More than a few people believe their sense of smell became negatively impacted because of this type of medication.

• Dentures misalignment.  Dentures typically start off feeling fine but can become uncomfortable.  The reason?  Bone and gums change as time goes by, and what once fit properly may become loose or shifted.  Bottom line?  Call your dentist if your dentures are bothering you.  He/she will make the necessary adjustments so they can feel great again.  Do not attempt to adjust dentures on your own, you could break the appliance or end up with an even greater degree of distortion.

• Chewing difficulties.  Chewing difficulties can be rooted in a number of different causes.  The problem might be a canker sore that will heal in a few days, a dental appliance that needs fine-tuning, tooth sensitivity because of nerve problems (and the eventual need for a root canal), loose teeth due to bone loss and periodontal disease, and a medley of other possibilities.  If you feel discomfort when chewing, it is important to find out the culprit.  Some seniors fail to eat the proper foods because it hurts to do so and subsequently suffer from malnutrition.

Sure, mouth maladies may increase with age, but proper care can circumvent certain problems.  Now that’s something most of us can swallow!

September 11 is coming up in a few weeks.  Many Americans reflect on this day with a heavy heart because of the tragic loss of life that took place.  Still, there are events occurring on 9/11/11 that are not as solemn in nature.  Let’s look at a couple.

• Grandparents Day.  Many of us remember our grandparents with extreme fondness.  They acted as support systems to our parents, lovingly reinforced messages we needed to hear, listened to us gripe about how unfairly life was treating us, lifted our spirits when we were down, babysat for us when Mom and Dad needed help, diplomatically taught us valuable lessons, cooked special meals for lunch, dinner, or holidays, and believed we were important in almost every way.  Grandparents truly are unique because they give so much and expect so little in return; actually, knowing their grandchildren are happy seems to be their reward.  This year Grandparents Day falls on September 11.  So, surprise your grandparents with a card, gift, or, more importantly, a heartfelt visit.  Yes, grandparents selflessly give of their time and resources, think of this day as an opportunity to give back.

• The Arthritis Walk.  Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects the joints; nearly 50 million Americans are stricken with some form of this disease.  There are multiple varieties of arthritis, and certain types can even attack children.  The Arthritis Foundation, a national health organization with its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, educates, informs, and raises money in the hopes of combating this disabling condition.  The Arthritis Walk, an annual event sponsored by The Arthritis Foundation called Let’s Move Together, is scheduled to take place on September 11 at The Bancroft School, 110 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA.  Registration for this fundraiser is between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.  People interested in participating can sign up to walk or make a donation (or both).  For further details, contact Margaret at the Central Massachusetts Arthritis Walk, 617-219-8228 or online at mfarmer@arthritis.org.

In addition to the above happenings, there are a number of scheduled remembrances around the nation marking the tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001.  For example, a ten year anniversary commemoration will be occurring on 9/11/11 in song with multiple choral groups at Institute Park, 140 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA: the tribute begins at 2 P.M.  For additional information, go to www.massremembers.com.

September 11 is a day most of us will never forget.  May God always bless America.