Page 18 - The Jewish Voice - December '21

Page 18, The Jewish Voice

LifestyLes

Financial Focus Canine Obesity insulin resistance resulting in diabetes in some pets. Dia-

betes is a difficult to manage disease and reduces pets’
Don’t Avoid “Taboo” Topics longevity as well as quality of life.
with Older Parents Hypertension and kidney disease: Current evi-
dence links obesity with high blood pressure. Hyperten-
By Sally Stima Stahl sion causes pressure on the kidneys leading to chronic
If your parents are getting kidney disease. Studies show that obesity causes excess
close to retirement age, or hyaluronic acid in kidneys that causes damage over time.
are already retired, it may be Respiratory: Fat accumulates along the outside
time to talk with them about of the lungs and in the abdomen. This compresses the
financial and aging issues, spongy lungs and makes taking in enough air difficult.
some of which may involve Dogs that have reduced airways due to conformation —
difficult conversations. For such as pugs, English bulldogs, French Bulldogs, etc. —
the sake of everyone in your have even more trouble breathing with fat accumulating
family, don’t avoid these Most dogs today are obese. In fact, we have gotten around the neck as well. Obese pets may even have dis-
“taboo” topics. so used to seeing overweight dogs that we now think this rupted sleep patterns and poor quality sleep.
You’ll need to be careful is normal. I am often surprised when I see a canine pa- Cancer: In humans the link between obesity and
about approaching these subjects with your parents. tient at an ideal weight. Today we take much better care certain types of cancers is becoming more and more ap-
Mention ahead of time that you’d like to talk to them of our canine family members than in the past. Our ca- parent. It stands to reason that this may be one of the
about their future plans and reassure them that you want nines have become true family members and as such are reasons we see cancer develop in our canine friends as
to understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken spoiled like our children. It is a good thing for ourselves they get older.
care of as they would like. and our pets to be part of the family, but one of the main Obesity is a serious problem as we are seeing more
If your parents are agreeable, choose a location ways we spoil our pets is to give them extra treats and and more dogs that are very overweight. It is something
comfortable for them and ask whom they might like to food. Just like in people, obesity is a silent killer. There that needs to be addressed so that our canine companions
invite (or not invite). Then, think about how to open the are many serious medical consequences that result from can be with us as long as possible. Remember, food does
conversation, preferably not with what they want to do obesity. Most importantly, it reduces quality of life and not equal love. Don’t make the mistake of overfeeding
with their money — this could be interpreted as your reduces life expectancy. your pet just because they like to eat. We can control
seeking information about your inheritance or being Chronic inflammation: Fat cells actually produce what they eat. Let’s make it our mission to keep our dogs
skeptical about their financial decisions. Instead, build a proteins that lead to multiple inflammatory processes in healthy and fit! Just remember, our pets are very good at
broad-based discussion about their vision for their aging the body. As you can imagine, chronic inflammation will getting us to do what they want us to do!
years. A series of shorter conversations may allow you to break the body down over time. Getting a pet back to Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
cover topics more comfortably, one by one, rather than ideal body weight can stop this process in its tracks. is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
trying to solve everything at once. Osteoarthritis: We know that the more weight on pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
Try to address these areas: the joints the more breakdown of cartilage. This process physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
• Health care: You’ll want to learn if your parents have leads to arthritis in the joints. But we also know that fat extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
established the appropriate health-related legal documents cells produce products that lead to inflammation within Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
— a health care power of attorney, which gives someone the joints contributing to arthritis in a big way. Also, the care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
the authority to make important decisions about their more weight a pet has on its joints, the more painful the For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
medical care if they become unable to do so themselves; arthritis will be for that pet. We see many pets on mul- palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
and a living will, which spells out the extraordinary tiple medications for arthritis that could be reduced or at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
medical treatments they may or may not want. stopped if they were at a normal weight.
• Independence: As people age, they may begin to Diabetes: It has been shown that excess fat leads to Lifestyles on page 19
lose their independence. Have your parents considered
any options for long-term care, such as a nursing home
stay or the services of a home health aide? Do they have
plans in place? If they plan to receive support from family
members, do their expectations match yours?
• Financial goals: Focusing on the personal and
financial aspects of the legacy your parents want to leave
can be a valuable conversation. Have your parents updated
their wills or other arrangements, such as a living trust?
Have they named a financial power of attorney to make
decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?
Do they have the proper beneficiary designations on
their insurance policies and retirement plan accounts? If
you can position these issues as being more about your
parents’ control over their financial destiny, rather than
“who will get what,” you’ll more likely have a productive
conversation.
• Last wishes: You’ll want to find out if your parents
have left instructions in their wills about their funerals
and last wishes. Express to them that you, or another Act Now and Do the
close family member, should know who is responsible for Holiday Hustle Bustle with
making sure their wishes are met.
Money, independence, and aging can be sensitive Your New Match!
topics. Don’t think you have to go it alone — you can
enlist help from another close family member. Or, if you
know your parents are working with a trusted advisor, such
as an attorney or financial professional, you could see if We Connect REAL People in REAL Life. Quickly.
they’d be willing to have this person participate in your
talks. You might even be able to introduce them to one of
your advisors.
In any case, keep talking. These conversations can be
challenging — but, if handled correctly, can be of great
benefit to your parents and your entire family.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by
your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones,
Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in
all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and #TellYourFriends
Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency
of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of DATE LOCAL Private & Con dential NOT ONLINE DATING

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cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your Treasure Coast 772.932.HERE (4373)
qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Kelly Leary, M.S. REVOLUTIONDATING.COM

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