This year the International Mothers Hall Of Fame begins a new tradition, an annual list of women chosen to be honored as “International Mothers of the Year.” Selected by the IMHOF Board of Directors, the yearly list will comprise a mix of women from different backgrounds who have all made motherhood headlines in a positive way. Some will be famous, some known best only to those that love them most, but ALL the women will be part of the great sisterhood of mothers and that makes them heroes because every mother is one!
This year’s honorees are:

• Victoria Beckham, singer and fashion designer
• Lisa Belkin, Huffington Post journalist
• Stephanie Decker, Indiana housewife and tornado survivor
• Betty DeGeneres, author & activist
• Michelle Obama, First Lady
• Meredith Olafson, North Dakota nurse and surrogate mother
• Holly Robinson Peete, actress and television host
• Ann Romney, philanthropist and wife of Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney
• Summer Sanders, Olympic medalist
• Reese Witherspoon, Academy award-winning actress

As Barack Obama stated last week – and every woman already knew – there is NO tougher job than being a mother! IMHOF Executive Director, Mitchell Mortimer, says that mothers need respect and recognition more than ever before. “Too often mothers are pitted against each other” says Mortimer. “They need to celebrate the bond that motherhood creates among women and not get caught up in the labels and stereotypes. There is no such thing as a ‘super mom’ rather all moms are super!”

This year’s honorees will each be presented with a special commemorative gift, and their names will join those of women from around the world in the IMHOF Hall of Fame. And plans are currently underway to create a lasting tribute to mothers in IMHOF’s headquarters home state of Texas. An 8-acre International Mothers Hall of Fame Gardens will be built (ground has been broken) in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and will include a granite wall monument engraved with the names of all the Hall of Fame inductees (current & future).

To learn more about the International Mothers Hall of Fame, read profiles of this year’s International Mothers of the Year honorees, or induct the special mother figures in your life into the Hall of Fame, visit  www.mothershof.org .

What better way to show your mother how much you care and are appreciative for her in your life? When you enroll a Mother into the International Mothers Hall of Fame™, they will receive the following:
-Enrollment Package Includes:
-Personalized letter from Founder Doug Stroud
-Official Customized Inductee Certificate and Card from you
-Listing in the IMHOF Virtual Hall of Fame on their website
-Inscription on the monument wall which will be placed in the IMHOF    Gardens located in Texas
-Donation to charity

for only $19.95!

“It’s a great gift idea for parents and grandparents!” says Torrez, who was inspired by her ministry work to write “Unburied Treasure”.

“I used to do nursing home ministry,” remembers Torrez. “While I sang to them I would mention that our purpose in life is to serve others. I had many of them tell me privately that there was nothing left for them to do to serve others and that they were just there waiting to die. I truly believe that the minds of our senior citizens are our greatest treasures, especially if they are our relatives. I would tell them that they should take the time to write their legacy – their thoughts, advice, memories, etc. – and pass it on to their children and this can be their new ‘purpose’ in life. From most of them, I would get this blank look as if they were saying, ‘I wouldn’t know what to write or where to begin.’ That is what inspired me to write this guide book that makes it so easy for anyone to write and leave their legacy.”

At 108-pages, “Unburied Treasure” presents a simple and engaging format for both new and experienced writers. Divided into five chapters, the book includes helpful introductions and encouraging writing prompts. It even includes a place for a photo and a detailed family tree map.

“So many people say that they wished that they would have taken more time to truly know a person and hear their advice and experiences before they died,” she explains. “This book helps to ensure that it is not too late for us to give this book as the greatest gift one can give.”

About the Author
Catherine Torrez practices as a private investigator and is the owner and manager of Stiletto Spy and Company Investigations. She has been a police officer for over 20 years and served as a reserve police officer for the City of Grand Prairie. She later served as patrol officer and worked as a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer and school resource officer. She also worked in gang intelligence and criminal investigations. Her latest law enforcement position was her position as the Chief of Police at Cockrell Hill Police Department, located in a small city in the Dallas, Texas area.

Torrez has been a long time member of her church board and a member of the private school board where her children attended school. One of her most recent accomplishment was self-publishing her autobiography, “Tragedy to Triumph”. Torrez is a public speaker and an educator on topics covering law enforcement and Christian faith.

For more information, visit http://www.CatherineTorrez.com.

St. Peter the Apostle Church in Groves, will host it’s 20th annual Third Age Day celebration for senior citizens on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

The event is filled with fellowship and activities will include a special Mass with Bishop Curtis Guillory,  a community prayer, luncheon and also entertainment. Participants will be able to have a chance at receiving door prizes. Participation is $12 and if you would like to attend you must RSVP.

For more information on the event or purchasing a ticket,  contact Coquese Williams, Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry at 409-924-4415 or email  at cwilliams@catholiccharitiesbmt.org

Tuesday, May 15th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Third Age Day Celebration – Third Agers in Prayer
St. Peter the Apostle Church, 2049 Taft Avenue, Groves

These are folks whose vision is limited due to congenital disability, disease, eye injury or typical effects of aging. They have no dog in the fight; all they want is a practical, affordable way to continue their love affair with reading. And technology gives it to them.

Their options range from standard consumer electronics to special equipment available through the state.

Here are some of the many solutions available to readers with reduced vision or blindness.

Handheld e-Readers. This product niche is less than four years old but millions of book titles already are available for pad-type readers made by a growing list of manufacturers. Some e-readers, such as the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Intel Reader (shown here)  and Sony Reader, are sharply focused on the reading function and start at around $150. Other products, like Apple’s iPad and competitors based on the Android and Windows operating systems, cost three to five times that amount but include full web access and smartphone-like apps.

Richard Hopkins of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) said the key features for low-vision readers include a text-to-speech function and ability to zoom text to readable size. “It’s surprising, but some of the major e-readers are way behind on implementing text-to-speech and even zoomable text. We advise consumers to ask about the accessibility features of any product they’re thinking about buying.”

Readers with impaired vision also should make sure the e-reader they’re considering has access to large libraries of e-books that support text to speech. And readers who need a brighter screen may find the backlit displays of iPad and its equivalents more usable than the “liquid ink” technology of Kindle, Nook and Reader.

Audiobooks. This popular format is one of the most convenient to use and also can be one of the most affordable. Audiobooks are available in CD format from most bookstores and as mp3 downloads from many online sources. The ability to enjoy books anywhere a portable audio player will go is what sells many low-vision users on audiobooks, but smart shopping can improve the experience for book lovers with any level of vision.

For example, many audiobook providers operate on a subscription basis, requiring you to spend a fixed amount — typically $15 and up — each month. Selection also varies widely, with some providers leaning more toward bestsellers and others catering to more adventurous tastes. And, before you purchase any digital book, check to see if you’re getting the full or abridged version.

Specialized assistive equipment. For readers whose needs aren’t fully served by standard consumer products, DARS can offer advice on more specialized equipment on the market. Some Texans who are blind or vision-impaired also may qualify for try-out loans before purchase.

Many of these devices allow people to read text on paper, either by magnifying it to a readable size or by scanning it, then converting it to speech. They look more complicated than, say, a Kindle or iPad, but many include intuitive help features, the ability to adjust speed and volume, “rewind” and even save audio files to a CD.

For more information about assistive reading devices on the market or available through DARS — or to get contact information for a DARS office in your area — call 800-628-5115.

Staying safe and being prepared when traveling is more important than ever for this age group. Here are some special considerations for senior travelers looking for a hassle-free travel experience.

Pack carefully
When packing for a trip, it’s important to be prepared. Some packing essentials include a comfortable pair of shoes, a hat and sunglasses to protect the face, clothing that you can wear in layers and any necessary personal items. Multi-purpose items, such as a scarf, which can also be used as a makeshift beach blanket, are always smart to pack and limit the weight of your suitcase. If you are taking an extended vacation, inquire about laundry options close to where you’ll be staying.

Visit your doctor
As a senior, your health is very important and no one ever wants to get sick or injured on vacation. Schedule a checkup with your doctor before any major trip to discuss the activities you plan to do, and get written prescriptions for any medications you may need. Keep your prescriptions in their original containers so that they can be identified properly. If you plan to travel out of the country, contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for required immunizations.

Get protection
Whether traveling 50 miles or 5,000, prepare for the unexpected by purchasing a membership from a travel and medical assistance company like On Call International before you leave. Senior travelers ages 77 to 85 can purchase a special Mature Membership, which includes services like emergency medical transportation to the hospital of their choice, transportation home, worldwide physician referrals, a 24-hour nurse helpline and emergency travel assistance. The membership also includes pre-travel destination and health information, lost-luggage assistance, worldwide legal assistance and even covers the cost of transporting grandchildren or a traveling companion home if you need to stay in the hospital.

Plan carefully
When planning your trip, stay organized and compile any contact information and travel reservations to keep in a folder to ensure you don’t have any problems. You might also include emergency numbers and family contact information in this folder as well. Whether driving or flying, it’s smart to gather maps ahead of time so you don’t get lost. If you are traveling out of the country, make sure your passport is up to date several months ahead of time as getting a new passport takes time to process.

With a little planning, seniors can travel without worry and enjoy the best of their golden years exploring the world. For more information about safe travel and medical assistance memberships, visit www.oncallinternational.com.

Avery Island is the birthplace of TABASCO® brand pepper sauce and a natural paradise of botanical treasures & wildlife. Of course, traveling through South Louisiana means visiting the heartland of Cajun cooking. This is the area called Acadiana, or Cajun country, a region where many diverse peoples developed a distinct culture together and where everyone shares a passion for great food.

Avery Island has been owned for over 180 years by the interrelated Marsh, Avery and McIlhenny families. A remarkable  island, it is inhabited by exotic plant and animal species from around the world, and under the Avery/McIlhenny family’s careful management, it has remained that way to this day.

Call for more details and cost , Call the Best Years Center at  409-838-1902.

You can visit Avery Island website at www.tabasco.com/avery-island/visitor-information/ and also take a look at this video we found on YouTube

The question is far from academic; one out of every six baby boomers has a hearing problem, and one in 14 members of Generation X has a hearing problem, according to the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). Hearing loss affects about 10 percent of the American population.

The difficulties associated with hearing loss can be more pronounced and troublesome when experienced in a social or professional setting. Whether you’re attending a holiday party, listening for your flight number to be called in an airport, or participating in a high-power board meeting, not being able to clearly hear what’s going on around you in a public setting can have serious repercussions.

Untreated hearing loss has been associated with a number of psychological and sociological problems, including depression, loneliness, diminished job performance and earning power, isolation and withdrawal from social situations, and impaired memory, according to BHI.

While assistive devices like hearing aids can help improve your hearing, nothing can really restore your hearing to its original, undamaged state. Fortunately, it is possible to cope with hearing loss.

Accepting the challenge
It’s not uncommon for people to deny or ignore their hearing loss. But the first step toward coping with the problem is to accept that it exists. The hearing assistance professionals at Starkey, suggest that if you suspect you have hearing loss – or have been told by others in your life that your hearing is faulty – ask yourself these questions:

* Do you find yourself turning up the volume on the TV or radio, especially when no one else is around to tell you it’s too loud?

* Do you often miss hearing the doorbell or telephone ringing?

* Do you frequently need to ask others to repeat what they’ve said?

* Do you misunderstand or “forget” conversations?

* Do you find yourself cupping your hand behind your ear to hear better?

These signs may indicate a hearing loss. Your doctor and/or an audiologist can help determine the degree of your hearing loss and establish a course of treatment.

Use assistive devices
Hearing aids can help people with hearing loss reconnect with other people – and with everything going on around them. In the past, some people with hearing losses might have avoided hearing aids because they associated the devices with old age, or because they felt hearing aids were too bulky, visible or even ineffective.

Advances in hearing aid technology have made the devices easier than ever to use. Some, like Starkey’s new invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid, are virtually invisible to others because they fit entirely within the ear canal. The right hearing aid may help wearers hear better in a variety of settings, from one-on-one conversations with a loved one, to a teleconference with professionals from around the world.

Not every hearing aid will be right for every person. Your lifestyle and degree of hearing loss will influence what type of hearing aid will be most helpful for you. A hearing care professional can help you determine the right style and technology level for your needs. Visit www.starkey.com to learn more about hearing aid styles and options.

Coping strategies
In addition to finding the right assistive device, you can take some simple steps to cope with your hearing loss in public situations:

* In public setting such as parties or business meetings, move as close to the speaker as possible.

* Choose your seating location to maximize your ability to hear. Try to sit away from high-traffic areas such as main doorways, kitchen doors or buffet areas in restaurants, and phone banks or electronic devices in business settings.

* Don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations. For example, ask for a seat away from the stereo at the dinner party and suggest the host wait until after the festivities to run that noisy dishwasher. In an office meeting, ask others to postpone phone conversations until after the meeting is over.

With the right assistive device and coping strategies, you can minimize the impact your hearing loss has on your personal and professional life.

“People often sneeze and wheeze through spring if they use misinformation to manage their condition,” says allergist Dr. Myron Zitt, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “But no one should suffer from spring allergies. Knowing the facts, getting a proper diagnosis and the right treatment allows allergy patients to feel good all season long.”

The ACAAI – whose allergist members specialize in treating allergies and asthma – dispels several common spring allergy myths.

Myth:
Over-the-counter (OTC, or nonprescription) oral antihistamines are just as effective as prescription medicines in controlling a stuffy nose.

Fact:
OTC antihistamines can help control some allergy symptoms, but they have little effect on relieving a stuffy nose or the inflammation that often occurs with allergies. They also can cause drowsiness. Allergists can prescribe more effective anti-inflammatory medications as well as find the source of suffering, rather than just treat the symptoms.

Myth:
OTC decongestant nasal sprays are addictive.

Fact:
OTC decongestant nasal sprays are not technically addictive. However, people who overuse them may think they are because they need more and more to get relief from the congestion. To combat this, OTC decongestant nasal sprays shouldn’t be used more than three days in a row. Also, an allergist can prescribe a nasal spray containing a steroid, which may be more effective and is not addictive.

Myth:
Allergy shots require too much time and are more expensive than taking medicine to relieve symptoms.

Fact:
Depending on how bothersome the allergies are, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may actually save money and improve quality of life. In fact, a recent study showed that immunotherapy reduced total health care costs in children with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) by one-third, and prescription costs by 16 percent. The shots are similar to a vaccine, exposing the recipient to a tiny bit of allergen at a time, to build up a tolerance to it. As tolerance increases, allergy symptoms will be significantly lessened and may even go away. That can save sick days and money spent at the drug store.

Myth:
A blood test is the best way to diagnose allergies.

Fact:
Actually, skin tests are more sensitive than blood tests. In skin allergy testing, the skin on the inside of the arms or the back is pricked with a tiny bit of an allergen. If the person is allergic, the site will become red and swollen within 20 minutes and usually clear in an hour or two. Skin testing is very safe when performed by an allergist, even in infants and young children. But no single test alone provides the entire picture. Sufferers should see an allergist, who is trained in diagnosing and treating allergies.

To learn more about allergies and asthma, take a relief test or find an allergist, visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org .

Anyone applying for benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will receive their payments electronically, while those already receiving paper checks will need to switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013.

Electronic payments for all
“Eight in 10 federal benefit recipients already use direct deposit, and now millions of additional retirees, veterans and other Americans will also receive their money in the safest, most reliable way – electronically,” says Treasury Fiscal Assistant Secretary Richard L. Gregg. “This important change will provide significant savings to American taxpayers who will no longer incur the annual $120 million price tag associated with paper checks and will save Social Security $1 billion over the next 10 years.”

All Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management benefits and other non-tax payments will be made electronically. Benefit recipients have the option of direct deposit into a bank or credit union account of their choice or into a Direct Express (R) Debit MasterCard (R) card account. More than 1.5 million beneficiaries have signed up for the Direct Express (R) card – a prepaid debit card product issued by Comerica Bank, the Treasury Department’s financial agent. The Treasury Department introduced the card in 2008.

Timeline for new enrollees
People newly applying for federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, must choose an electronic payment option at the time they sign up for their benefits. If they wish to direct their money into a bank or credit union account, they will want to have the following information on hand at the time they apply for their benefits:
* Financial institution’s routing transit number (often found on personal check)
* Account type – checking or saving
* Account number (often found on personal check)
People who do not have an account at a financial institution or prefer receiving their payments on a prepaid debit card can receive a Direct Express (R) card. For more information, visit www.GoDirect.org.

Switching to electronic payments is easy

“I urge everyone receiving a paper Social Security or Supplemental Security Income check to switch to electronic payments now, through the Go Direct campaign, rather than waiting until the final deadline,” says Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “Switching now eliminates the risks of lost and stolen checks, and provides immediate access to your money on payment day.”

Check recipients must switch to electronic payments before the March 1, 2013 deadline. Switching from checks to direct deposit is fast, easy and free at www.GoDirect.org,  by calling the U.S. Treasury Processing Center’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-333-1795, or by speaking with their bank or credit union representative.

Anyone already receiving federal benefit payments electronically will continue to receive their money as usual on their payment day. No action is required.

About the Direct Express (R) Debit MasterCard (R) card
The Treasury Department recommends the Direct Express (R) card as another safe, convenient alternative to paper checks for benefit payments. Ninety-four percent of cardholders say they are satisfied with the card, according to a 2010 campaign survey.  

Cardholders can make purchases, pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide. Cardholders have access to at least one free cash withdrawal with each deposit to the Direct Express (R) card account.* No bank account or credit check is required. The card accounts are FDIC-insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law. There are no sign-up fees, monthly fees or overdraft charges. Some fees for optional services may apply. Money is immediately available on payment day.

To sign up for the card, or to learn more about its features and fees, individuals can visit www.GoDirect.org, call 1-800-333-1795 or inquire with their local Social Security, VA, or other federal benefit agency office.

The preceding information has been provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service. The Go Direct (R) campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks. The Direct Express (R) logo, Go Direct (R) and Direct Express (R) are registered service marks, and the Go Direct (SM) logo is a service mark, of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service (used with permission). The Direct Express (R) Debit MasterCard (R) card is issued by Comerica Bank, pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard (R) and the MasterCard (R) Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

*For each federal government deposit to your account, Comerica Bank will waive the fee for one ATM cash withdrawal in the U.S. The fee waiver earned for that deposit expires on the last day of the following month in which the deposit was credited to the card account.