DR. OZ

If you're an OPRAH fan, then you know who Dr. Oz is.

It was a little gory the first time I saw him on OPRAH when he showed and explained the difference between normal and diseased body parts. But I love his personality and the ease with which he explains complicated medical problems.

His new show premiered today on your local ABC channel at 3 pm. It was fast-paced, informative and fun.

Check it out: http://www.doctoroz.com/

Could it happen to you?

HOMELESS!

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that word?

As a Boomer, I grew up thinking that the term "Homeless" usually applied to a man who was lazy, didn't want to work and probably had a drinking or drug problem.

Boy, have times ever changed! It saddens me that nowadays most of us probably have a relative or friend who's now homeless due to the current job market, stock market losses and perhaps even still due to Hurricane Katrina.

Frankly, I was shocked when I found out that one of my female cousins is homeless. She lost her job in her late 50s, spent all her retirement lump sum payout and while her housing options are at best sporadic, she doesn't want to move back to St. Louis.

It's literally become an epidemic in some states, with entire families being forced to the streets! It's scary to think that some of your kids and grandkids could be just one layoff away from losing their homes.

Want to help out? Go to http://www.nationalhomeless.org/

Find out want you can do in your community, whether it's helping serve food or collecting toiletries, volunteer. More than anything, it will make you grateful for what you have!

ANOTHER SCAM

Friends, the video link below depicting another scam was brought to my attention by one of my readers, Ellie. I feel that Boomers are targeted even more especially when it comes to identity theft and petty crimes so please take a few minutes to watch it!

http://www.wimp.com/goodsamaritan/

REMEMBER: NEVER respond to any type of lottery email you receive as the Russian scammers are the worst!

http://www.russian-scam.org/message.htm

It's your money, so do all you can to protect it!

WHAT I KNOW

I recently reviewed an interesting, insightful book, "WHAT I KNOW" by Roger Emerson Fishman which comes out in October.

The book covers topics such as Integrity, Friendship, Personal Choices and Longevity with comments from 10-year old kids to centenarians.

It's an easy, quick read. I really enjoyed the book because it will remind you that what's really important, especially at this age, are family, friends and the simple joys of life!

There are many motivating quotes for us Boomers, such as from Tan Shi Lee, on the secret to a healthy, active long life: "Keep your brain thinking, your body active, and no matter what, keep moving forward!"

For ordering info: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780307454225.html

The Montelle Winery

While we're not well-known, like NAPA Valley, there are several good wineries in Missouri.

With my sisters, Ginny & Linda, I spent Labor Day at the Montelle Winery, located in the Augusta Wine District. The Augusta Region was nationally known for its wine during the 19th century, but Prohibition halted the state's wine making for decades.

Then in the late 60's and early 70's, a few adventurous entrepreneurs began to refurbish the old vineyards and buildings of Missouri's wine-growing regions.

The Montelle Vineyards was re-opened in 1970. It sits high on a bluff offering breathtaking views. On summer weekends, there's live music and Sunset Dinners.

We had a great afternoon, enjoying the local wine and dancing!

For more info on Montelles: http://www.montelle.com/index.html

To learn more about events in the Missouri Wine Country: http://www.missouriwinecountry.com/events/region.php?regionID=3

St. Louis Visit

I just returned from a 12-day trip to my hometown - St. Louis. As always, it was hectic but lots of fun visiting with my family and friends.

We ate out daily......the Cheesecake Factory, Macroni Grill, and Massa's, a local's hangout. But my favorite restaurant is the Olive Garden.

I love their Chicken Scampi, which is made in a garlic cream sauce and served over angel hair pasta. It's a light meal which left room for one of their new, mini-sized desserts.

To find a location in your area:

http://www.olivegarden.com/locator/locationSearchAlt.asp

At the Movies

Usually, I enjoy a Sandra Bullock movie even though she tends to play the same type of character. But this movie is terrible.....not worth your time or money.

No real plot, shallow characters and a very disjointed story line.

For a more detailed review: http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/sep/04/movie-review-all-about-steve/

Retired Couples

Are you both retired, but being together 24/7 isn't quite what you expected it to be?

Then perhaps it's time to have that conversation about how the 2 of you are going to live the rest of your lives together as a couple. For an excellent article with some great conversation starters, visit the Positive Aging Website at:
http://positiveaginginc.com/blog/?p=105

Kim Kirmmse Toth offers some insightful advice there on how to address this issue.
You can also sign up for a free subscription to her monthly newsletter.

EPA

Are you concerned about renewable alternative energy sources?

If so, then you should be interested to hear that Congress recently passed a law to set a floor for alternative fuel use. Now the EPA is threatening to push biodiesel use backwards.

Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, used cooking oil. It contains no petroleum. Biodiesel blends can be used in most diesel engines with little or no modifications. It's simple to use, biodegradable and non-toxic.

If you believe that clean, domestic fuels should be part of our National Energy Policy, please take a few minutes and submit a comment at http://nbblink.org/y

For additional info on biodiesel, go to: http://www.biodiesel.org/

WALK....RUN.....DANCE

I'm still in St. Louis and have spent some time visiting with 2 of my relatives over 90. My 91 year-old aunt is in a re-hab center and frankly, it was really depressing to see her there because I feel the accident that put her there could have been prevented. Her health problems all started with a fall near her front porch.

So, I'd just like to remind you to:

1. Do a safety check, not only in your home, but your parent's place as well.

Make sure that all railings are properly attached; walkway's well lit and clutter-free. Do a complete walk through of every room and look for ways that you can improve their environment. The GOLD VIOLIN Independent Living Catalog is a great source for items that can make life easier for us BOOMERS and our parents.

WEBSITE: http://www.goldviolin.com/

If you live alone, consider getting a medical alert button. Aunt Betty didn't have one, so she had to crawl up her front steps!

For additional info: http://www.firststreetonline.com/Featured+Products/New+Innovations/Designed+for+Seniors+Medical+Alarm.axd?sc=86072&gclid=CMzIjPab0pwCFSDxDAodJXzUKQ

2. WALK....RUN....DANCE......just move every day while you still can. When I see those elderly people stuck in a bed or wheelchair, it makes me want to exercise and play even more. A key factor to maintaining good health as we age is a daily exercise program......so find out what works for you and keep at it at least 5 days a week. Don't forget to work on balancing exercises because that will help prevent falls.

REMEMBER the NIKE AD and "JUST DO IT"