Freelance
ROSIE ON THE HOUSE

The new economic stimulus tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements includes insulation, and chances are you need new insulation. Most homes, especially if they’re more than 10 years old, don’t have enough.

If your house is too warm and your energy bills are too high, the insulation in your attic is a good place to start your investigation when your home starts feeling uncomfortable this summer.

Insulation protects your home’s “envelope” – the attic, walls, ceiling and floors – from the sweltering summer air that can sneak inside through tiny holes and crevices.

Every home has some leaks, usually around windows and doors, at the point where plumbing, cables and electrical wires enter the house and in the attic or crawl space. Builders typically use insulation to create a barrier that prevents air from entering the home through those leaks.

But insulation doesn’t last forever. It will settle over time, reducing its efficiency. A 15-year-old home might have enough insulation to comply with the building code of that time, but not with today’s stricter code, which calls for thicker insulation. And a 50-year-old home might not have any at all if the builder relied on shading and wall ventilation rather than insulation to keep it cool.

Plus, not every builder installs insulation correctly. Insulation that is stuffed into cavities in a home’s framing, hung near a leak or simply draped over one won’t perform properly. Instead, the insulation should touch the surface it’s meant to protect. If it doesn’t, it will filter the hot air as it comes into the house, but it won’t keep it out. And insulation with gaps in it will let heat in between those gaps.

This common problem is fairly inexpensive to remedy – and now you can take a federal tax credit on 30 percent of the cost of the materials – minus labor – up to $1,500.

Plus, once your home’s insulation is working as it should, you might find that your home feels more comfortable and your energy bills are lower.

Then you’ll be able to fairly assess whether you need to replace your aging air conditioner and kitchen appliances with more efficient models. Then you can think about trading those old, drafty windows with double- or triple-pane varieties designed to keep the heat out of the house. Those new windows might also qualify for a tax credit.

Insulating your home’s envelope first will save your energy-efficient new air conditioner and windows from having to compete with unsealed leaks that let hot air into the home.

Think strategically about energy efficiency. Before you guess at the solution to high energy bills and rooms that are too warm, find out what’s causing the problem. Poorly installed insulation or aged insulation that has settled could be a significantly contributing factor.

Rosie Romero has a radio program from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KNST-AM (790). For more do-it-yourself tips and for Arizona’s most-trusted contractor referral network, go to rosieonthehouse.com or call 888-ROSIE-4-U during the show. The Rosie on the House column appears every Friday.

ROSIE ROMERO

Citizen Staff Writer

GABRIELLE FIMBRES

gfimbres@tucsoncitizen.com

Finding a cool spot to get lost in a good book is one of the best ways to survive a Tucson summer.

The “bookmarm,” as she calls herself, at A Children’s House of Books wants to connect Tucson kids with great reading to help beat the heat.

“I want to foster literacy in the community,” said retired teacher Pat James, owner of the children’s used book shop at 2624 N. First Ave.

James, who opened A Children’s House of Books six months ago, has transformed the spot into a charming, colorful hideaway, with children’s art on the walls. A brightly colored paper dragon, created by students at Miles Exploratory Learning Center, hangs from the ceiling.

There is a dress-up chest, vintage toys and about 5,000 books for children up to about age 13 to choose from. Nearly all are used. Some belonged to her children, now grown.

James wants to make it easy for children to get books. Families can trade in books or pay half the list price.

She is hosting Trading Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22-23. Families can trade cans of food, to be donated to the Community Food Bank, for books.

“Bring in a can of food and get a book, or bring in a book and get a can of food,” James said.

James, who retired from Tucson Unified School District in 2004, also offers teaching resources.

She wanted to spread her love of reading to kids in the neighborhood. She offers story time at 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, along with tutoring and special events.

“It’s very important for families to have books in the house and to be reading to children,” she said.

LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICKS OFF

Kids, teens and adults can join the free summer reading club at Pima County Public Library, winning prizes and taking part in hundreds of educational activities.

“Be Creative @ Your Library” runs May 21 through July 18.

The calendar of events is available at all branch libraries.

Children can pick up a free “Be Creative @ Your Library” game board at any branch and use the game board to keep track of how many hours they read. They can also log their minutes online at library.pima.gov.

For every six hours spent reading, children earn prizes. All those who read 24 hours by July 18 will receive a certificate and a ticket for four people to the Tucson Toros baseball game at Hi Corbett Field on July 26. Six hours of extra reading will earn the child a pass to Breakers Water Park and a free paperback book.

The reading program for teens, called “Rock a Book,” is open to ages 12 to 18. They can earn coupons for local businesses and other prizes for every 10 hours spent reading. Prizes include a $10 gift certificate to Bookmans and a backstage pass to the “Rock a Book” band finale, where they can watch bands in the Main Library’s garage. Teens can register online at library.pima.gov or go to their neighborhood library for details.

Adults can list, rate and review books online, earning chances in weekly drawings for $5 Bookmans’ credit slips. Those who read 20 hours will earn a reusable book bag and a pass with discounts to Pima County attractions. Those who read 30 hours by July 18 will be entered into a drawing for a $100 credit voucher at Bookmans.

IF YOU GO

What: Trading Day at A Children’s House of Books. Bring in a can of food and take home a book, or bring in books to trade

Where: 2624 N. First Ave.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22-23

Price: free admission

Info: 822-8211

Freelance
PLANTING YOUR FUTURE

When I began advising people about potentially suitable plants for their landscapes some 30 years ago, a large tree meant one that could become a statuesque 60 or 80 feet tall over time.

Today’s smaller lots have shrunken what is considered to be a large tree, or a medium or small tree for that matter, to the point of miniature proportions.

Most trees needed to define, shade or add dimension to patios in the smaller landscapes constantly challenge us to find plants that have been overlooked and put them to use in new ways.

Two plants I have always thought to be totally underused are acacias from our own desert. The biggest reason that these plants have been overlooked is that all of our desert plants are armed with thorns. On these two, the thorns are fairly small, and not a bit unreasonable to work with.

The two plants I am talking about are Acacia greggii, or catclaw acacia, and Acacia constricta, or whitethorn acacia. Both are on virtually every homeowners association’s list of acceptable plants, and I truly think their underuse has a lot to do with the fact that people have a difficult time thinking what these will become as they mature.

Catclaw acacia (its common name is derived from the shape of the thorns) is the larger of the two. Though it is slow-growing, one will find that growth rate almost a necessity for a plant small in mature stature, because plants don’t grow rapidly to a mature size and stop – it is an ongoing process.

The fragrance of these plants’ flowers alone is enough to recommend them. As soon as we hit our first 100-degree day, they seem to burst into bloom. And while the blooms are cream-colored and not particularly showy, the perfume they emit is the Sonoran desert’s crowning glory of fragrance – light, but incredibly sweet; heady and lingering; profuse both day and night.

The plant itself can be gorgeous. It is best when gently trained into a multitrunk tree and its natural form easily leads to that. As it ages, it becomes gnarly and ancient-looking. Use this small tree in a place where you want lacy shade in the summer and the warmth of the sun in winter. It can be kept easily at 8 feet or developed beautifully to 18 feet and it is hardy to zero degrees.

Whitethorn acacia is slightly smaller and blooms emerge two or three weeks later in the early summer. While out of leaf, the branches have a reddish glow that is attractive in its own right. When it leafs out, it is bright green.

Already many of the other plants’ leaves are looking dull and dusty, and here comes the whitethorn acacia, fresh with its bright new leaves. This is followed by its flower show: bright golden balls in profusion, fragrant, though not so much as the catclaw cousin. A bit smaller, it still has a twisting, gorgeous multi-trunk potential of from 6 to 12 feet and is hardy to 5 or 10 degrees.

Cathy Bishop, co-owner of Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery, has more than 30 years of gardening experience. E-mail her at familyplus@tucsoncitizen.com.

CATHY BISHOP

Generations

Older adults waiting for $250 stimulus checks from Uncle Sam this month are warned about scammers lurking on the Internet and on the other end of telephone line.

Perpetrators of fraud and theft of the stimulus checks have been reported by federal agencies, and all eligible older consumers should be vigilant.

Unlike last year, when all consumers had to file a federal income tax return to receive stimulus checks, recipients this year get their money automatically.

About $13 billion in payments to nearly 55 million eligible people on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, railroad retirement or veterans disability began going out May 7 and should continue through the end of the month.

The money will be delivered the same way as current benefits, such as through direct deposit to a checking account or via debit card or paper check.

Crooks have been sending official-looking e-mails asking for bank account numbers, trying to persuade people the information is needed so that stimulus checks can be directly deposited into bank accounts.

Instead, the scammers drain the accounts and disappear, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Other bogus e-mails purporting to be from government agencies ask for personal information to “verify” that the recipient qualifies for a payment.

In another variation, e-mails provide links to Web sites on the premise that people can find out if they qualify for the money.

But by clicking on the links, consumers download malicious software or spyware that steals personal information used for identity theft, the FTC said.

Scammers also have been working the phones, trying to snag bank account numbers or personal information by claiming it is needed for direct deposit of stimulus checks or to verify future entitlement to Social Security benefits, according to the Social Security Administration.

Callers sometimes get hostile or call repeatedly if individuals refuse to divulge the information, the agency said.

In another ploy, Web sites also have been claiming that for a small fee they can help consumers apply for money from the stimulus fund.

Be suspicious of anyone who tries to collect a fee for filing a claim for stimulus money, the FTC said.

Remember, eligible recipients do not need to sign up anywhere or do anything to get the money.

And the Social Security Administration does not have to contact anyone for information.

Working seniors aren’t eligible for the $250 because they are getting stimulus money through reduced paycheck withholding throughout the year.

People who have not received their $250 by June 4 should contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.

The payments are not taxable as income and will be sent separately from current Social Security benefits.

To report suspected fraud, contact the FTC at 877-382-4357 or use the online complaint assistant at ftc.gov.

For the Social Security Administration’s fraud hot line, call 800-269-0271 or visit socialsecurity.gov/oig/hotline.

Today’s information is provided by Adina Wingate, PCOA’s public relations director, using approved information from the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security Administration information about fraud. Visit online at www.pcoa.org

Pima Council on Aging

Citizen Staff Writer

GABRIELLE FIMBRES

gfimbres@tucsoncitizen.com

Rebozos, the colorful, woven scarves that date back to the 1500s and have been featured in songs and poetry, are a symbol of Mexican culture.

Among the most famous aficionados of rebozos was Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

The Tucson Museum of Art will celebrate the history of these eye-catching accessories at the “Festival de Rebozos, The Beautiful Shawls of Mexico,” from May 5-10.

The Latin American Art Patrons who support the museum will present the festival. Included is an educational program for schools, with presentations by Armandina Cruz, director of the Casa del Rebozo of Guadalajara, Mexico.

The week will culminate with two public events:

• A Gala Celebration of Music and Dance, 6 p.m. May 9, featuring Mexican appetizers and a program on the history of rebozos in music, poetry and dance. Mariachi Luz de Luna and Folklorico San Juan will perform. A fashion show demonstrating the ways to wear rebozos will be included. Tickets are $30 per person.

• Mother’s Day/Dia de las Madres family celebration, noon to 4 p.m. p.m. May 10. Families can bring in rebozos for evaluation and watch a master weaver demonstrate her craft.

There will be booths selling aguas frescas, churros and paletas, and a photo booth for a family portraits. Admission is free.

Both events will be at the museum, 140 N. Main Ave.

Rebozos can be woven in cotton, silk, cotton and silk or artisela rayon. Their long, narrow rectangular ends are knotted and fringed. The scarve can be worn as an everyday wrap or as a fashion accessory for evening wear.

Handmade rebozos will be for sale, with proceeds to benefit Latin American Art programs, exhibits and acquisitions at the museum.

For more information, call 624-2333.

Freelance
ROSIE ON THE HOUSE

As you shop for windows, you’ll hear lot of jargon about glazing, spacers and cladding. You might be hoping to qualify for the new federal energy-efficiency tax credit, which requires low U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients.

Here is a glossary of window efficiency terms that might help you understand the gobbledygook:

Energy Star is a government label for energy-efficiency. If you buy qualified Energy Star windows before May 31, you can claim a federal tax credit on 30 percent of the cost of the window, minus installation, up to $1,500.

U-factor measures how well the window prevents heat from leaking from indoors to the outside. To qualify for the federal tax credit after June 1, a window must have a U-factor of no more than .30.

Solar heat gain coefficient measures how well a window blocks the hot sun from getting into your house. The lower the solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat the window lets in. In Arizona, solar heat gain coefficient is a bigger deal for windows than U-factor because it’s so hot here. After June 1, only windows with a solar heat gain coefficient of .30 or less will qualify for the federal tax credit.

Cladding refers to the window frame. A solid wood frame won’t hold up well under the Arizona sun. All-vinyl or all-aluminum frames never require painting, but vinyl can deteriorate in the sun, and aluminum absorbs so much heat that the inside of the frame gets as hot as the outside.

Glazing refers to the number of panes of glass the window has.

One-pane, single-glazed windows do little to keep the weather outside and the air-conditioned air inside. Double-glazed windows with a small air space between the panes are the smartest buy for Arizona homeowners. The air acts as an insulator to keep hot air out of the house and air-conditioned air in.

Double-hung or single-hung windows have top and bottom sections or “sashes.” Double-hung windows allow you to slide both the bottom sash and the top sash up and down, while single-windows have only one movable sash so just the bottom part moves.

Thickness of air space between the panes of glass in part determines the energy efficiency of double-glazed windows. A thin air space doesn’t insulate as well as a thick one. For maximum energy efficiency, look for windows with an air space of 5/8 of an inch.

Low-emissivity (or low-e) coatings are thin, transparent coatings of silver or tin oxide that allow light, but not heat, to pass through a window.

Tinted glass and tinted window films can prevent heat from wafting through your windows when it’s hot outside. But unless you want colored windows, there’s no need to pay extra for tinting.

Edge spacers hold the panes of glass apart and add an airtight seal to an insulated glass window.

Rosie Romero has been in the Arizona homebuilding and remodeling industry for 35 years. He has a radio program from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KNST-AM (790). For more do-it-yourself tips and for Arizona’s most-trusted contractor referral network, go to rosieonthehouse.com or call (888) ROSIE-4-U during the show. The Rosie on the House column appears every Friday.

ROSIE ROMERO

Freelance
PLANTING YOUR FUTURE

It’s time to make the transition from cool season annuals to ones that love the heat.

The first days that reach temperatures in the 90s signal the change, and it doesn’t take much to complete the demise of cool weather annuals. There are options to changing plants twice a year, and an understanding of what plants can tolerate will facilitate that.

An annual is a plant that completes its entire life cycle in less than a year, starting from a seed, growing into a plant, flowering and setting seed for the next generation in a fairly short period of time. In most climates, winter is usually the end of the plant’s life because they are too tender to live through the freezes. In our climate, winter is mild enough that many plants enjoy the cool for their season. Others love the heat so that gives us the advantage of year- round ability to grow annuals.

So if annuals die within a year, why in the world would anyone want to plant them? The fact is that they have glorious bloom cycles. Because blooming is the object of their reason to be, there is more bloom than on a plant that has multiple reasons for existence.

A perennial is a permanent plant that grows, blooms, sets seeds or makes offsets, then grows some more in a continuing cycle. Perennials may bloom more than once a season. Perennials are either woody or herbaceous. This tells us more about how they grow rather than how they bloom.

A woody plant develops a branching structure that is in constant existence and may not lose its leaves in the winter. An herbaceous perennial is one that finishes a cycle of growth and blooming and then grows an entirely new plant at the base, usually referred to as a basal rosette.

So now that you know all the technical differences, how does this help you make a decision about what to plant.

What is the most important part of the question? Do you want to plant once and keep the same plants for years? Is it important to have something green even when the plant is not blooming? If that is the case – use perennials. The wonderful “Proven Winner” selections have exuberant enough displays to mistake them for annuals.

If the most important thing is to have absolute perfection in flowering at a given time – use annuals. If you choose annuals, your best bet for full sun all summer is vinca (Catharanthus roseus), blue salvia (Salvia farinacea), portulaca and Golden Fleece (Dyssodia pentechata). These plants promise to last through the worst heat loaded with flowers and looking great!

Cathy Bishop, co-owner of Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery, has more than 30 years of gardening experience. E-mail her at familyplus@tucsoncitizen.com.

CATHY BISHOP

Citizen Staff Writer

GABRIELLE FIMBRES

gfimbres@tucsoncitizen.com

She survived the Great Depression, the deaths of two husbands and breast cancer.

Goldie Breeding, 86, is one self-sufficient woman.

But the economy has Breeding fearing for her independence. While she is able to manage her expenses by clipping coupons and hunting for bargains, Breeding worries that a new prescription for her spinal arthritis or any other expense might prohibit her from living on her own.

“Food is my big concern,” says Breeding, who lives on Social Security and a small pension. “It’s gotten so expensive. And if I have to go on medication, I don’t know what I would do. I’d probably have to sell and move in with someone.”

Breeding is lucky. She knows any of her six children would be happy for her to move in.

But she doesn’t want to leave the mobile home where she has lived since she retired in 1999 at age 75.

“I eat what I want to, I watch what I want to,” says the retired home health care nurse. “I want to remain independent as long as possible. My family needs privacy, and so do I.”

She worries about how the economy is hurting her older friends who have no one to turn to.

In recent years, Breeding, a Tucson resident since 1947, has received help with unexpected expenses from Pima Council on Aging.

After a knee replacement in 2003, the agency installed a ramp, so she would not have to walk the eight steps up to her mobile home.

PCOA built a new roof four years ago after a storm ripped off a portion. “My insurance wouldn’t cover the roof, and it’s so expensive to fix these old mobile homes,” she said.

The agency helped her get a bracelet that she can use to alert authorities if she falls and needs assistance. The spinal arthritis causes Breeding to easily lose her balance.

Each time, her family has made a donation to the agency, she said.

Breeding relies on Van Tran or her children for rides to the doctor, church or shopping. She shops at four grocery stores, looking for the best value.

Breeding, who was born in 1922, was one of nine children, seven who survived past childhood.

Her father developed typhoid fever in Missouri, and the family moved to Phoenix in 1926 when Goldie was 4. She has vivid memories of the Depression.

“We were fortunate to live on a dairy farm, so we had milk and vegetables,” she said.

She recalls a time when her family had no butter, having sold all the cream from the farm.

“Daddy was selling everything he could. Mama said we had to go downtown and sign up to get margarine. I didn’t know what that was.”

Her parents always managed.

“We were young and we didn’t realize how tough times were,” Breeding said. “Mama always had a pot of stew. She made good bread and we always had a pot of beans.”

Goldie married in 1939 at age 17. She and husband James had two children. But James died, leaving her a widow at age 22.

She remarried, and she and husband Herschell had four children. At age 50, Goldie was again widowed when Herschell died from a heart attack in 1971.

It was then she went to work for the first time, and loved the years she spent caring for others.

Breeding has six children, 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. “I’m so rich,” she said.

She predicts the economy will get worse before it gets better.

“I call it a depression,” she said. “I lived through one and that’s what it feels like to me.”

She turns to her faith in hard times, and hopes her prayers will be answered.

“I’m praying that this new president can turn things around, but he has a lot on his shoulders,” she said.

“Every night I pray for the United States to be back to where it was when I was raising children. I want Tucson to be back to the way it was.”

HELP FOR SENIORS

Pima Council on Aging provides services to seniors and their caregivers. It is the designated Area Agency on Aging and acts as a conduit, coordinating services for older adults through other local agencies.

Among the services provided are meal delivery and congregate meals; personal budgeting assistance; employment services; transportation; home repair and housekeeping; and personal care services.

For more information, call 790-7262 or go to pcoa.org.

Freelance
PLANTING YOUR FUTURE

I will be the first to admit that the sight of a Jacaranda tree in full bloom is an awesome view to behold, and I am truly amazed at the various places around Tucson where the climate has allowed some good-sized trees to develop.

So if you were about to call and ask us what that tree that looks like it is totally enveloped in a cloud of purple flowers, here it is:

Jacaranda mimosafolia, which is commonly called by its genus, is a lovely, fast-growing tree does well in the warmer areas of Tucson.

Twenty or more years ago, when the first few were planted, there was plenty of scoffing by seasoned nursery professionals and horticulturists who thought for sure it would freeze. And there are several notable trees around town that did just that.

They started as a single trunk tree and the wood almost froze down to the ground, but what has resulted are gorgeous multitrunks with a lot more character and a lot more flowers.

That the weather has lessened in winter severity has helped these tress. Also, people became creative about where they planted them so there would be more protection.

An apartment complex on the East Side never gave the secret away of what was inside the courtyard surrounded on all sides by three-story buildings. What a delightful surprise when the purple flowered heads first pushed up over the buildings.

Yes, they are that big and they can grow that fast.

There are 60-foot tall jacaranda in California locations. I’m not betting against that happening here.

Its feathery leaves are perfect leaves for the desert climate, and the trees don’t use much water. We all have to admit it’s here to stay.

I know there are many readers living in parts of Tucson that are too cold for jacarandas. So don’t plant one and be sad when it freezes. Enjoy it where it is happy and plant something that will be beautiful where you are.

There are many glorious flowering trees for the coldest spots, like Mimosa. A 50-foot crown of Flame Mimosa (Albizzia julibrissin ‘Flame’) will take your blues away.

The truth is there are many fantastic flowering trees, and there is the perfect one for every microclimate, every size and space and every allergen hater and on and on.

This is a great time of year to pay attention when you cruise around town at the awesome variety of beautiful flowering trees we are blessed with in the desert.

I know you will find one that is perfect for your landscape.

Cathy Bishop, co-owner of Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery, has more than 30 years of gardening experience. E-mail her at familyplus@tucsoncitizen.com.

CATHY BISHOP

Citizen Staff Writer

B. POOLE

bpoole@tucsoncitizen.com

If doughnuts and Pop-Tarts had a smackdown, who would win? How about pizza and spaghetti?

Stories that Soar, a local theater program featuring snippets of plays written by schoolkids, will answer those questions when it offers two performances at the University of Arizona on May 9 showcasing the best of its work this school year.

“When adults write about kids, it’s very different from when kids write themselves. It’s very entertaining for everyone, and it offers a great glimpse into the world of kids,” said Sharon O’Brien, artistic director for Stories that Soar.

The stories are collected over a period of several weeks at elementary and intermediate schools, then developed into plays with live actors, music and sound effects. The actors then return to the schools for assemblies featuring the submitted plays. The group has performed in 10 local schools and three in Phoenix this year.

Actors come from a variety of backgrounds and range in age from 19 to 50, O’Brien said.

Darby Blaker, who graduated in December with a UA bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences, joined the group at the suggestion of a friend. She was quickly hooked, she said.

The plays are a great way to bring out kids’ feelings and thoughts, which are basically the same feelings and thoughts adults have, Blaker said.

“I think it’s every kid’s dream to see something they created brought to life,” she said.

The UA performances will offer two or three stories from each of the schools the group worked with this past year, O’Brien said.

Topics range from the serious – war and immigration – to the whimsical – a fight between spaghetti and pizza.

A reception with balloons, face painting, raffles and a silent auction to benefit Stories that Soar begins an hour before showtime.

Stories that Soar has been active for eight years. The group has a stable of about 20 actors, though only about 10 will be in the UA shows.

The food fights became part of the program after several kids submitted plays based on fights between their favorite foods, O’Brien said.

“It’s a three-round favorite food smackdown. Doughnuts and Pop-Tarts decide to be friends; it’s too hard to fight,” she said.

To find out the winner in the pizza-spaghetti matchup, head to UA on May 9.

If you go

What: “Best of Stories that Soar!”

When: 2 and 7 p.m. May 9

Where: University of Arizona Marroney Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road.

Price: $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 12 and younger. Available at Mrs. Tiggywinkle’s Toys, 4811 E. Grant Road; Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave. or at the door May 9.

Info: 975-9970, www.storiesthatsoar.org

Generations

May is Older Americans Month, a great time to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults and create communitywide opportunities to help elder Arizonans improve their quality of life.

This year’s theme is “Living Today for a Better Tomorrow,” and we, as a community, must work together to give older adults the tools they need to make healthy decisions.

By 2030, 1 in every 5 Americans will be 65 or older. Although the risk of disease increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Many illnesses, disabilities and even death associated with chronic disease are preventable.

Nearly 40 percent of deaths in America can be attributed to poor health habits such as smoking, and lack of physical exercise and proper nutrition. Older Americans can prevent or control chronic disease by adopting healthy habits such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and ceasing tobacco use.

The benefits of regular physical activity include weight control; healthy bones, muscles and joints; arthritis relief; reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and more.

Exercise does not have to be strenuous and is safe for people of all age groups. In fact, it’s healthier to exercise than eliminate it altogether. Older Americans can greatly benefit from a regular routine that includes strength, balance, stretching and endurance exercises.

In addition to a regular exercise routine, good nutrition is vital in maintaining good health. Improving older Americans’ diets can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases, but most adults over age 65 do not maintain a healthy diet. Reducing saturated fats and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and grains can help older Americans get on the right track to staying healthy.

Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease and cancer and is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Older adults who stop smoking will gain immediate and long-term health benefits.

While it’s important for older Americans to have good physical health, it’s equally important that they maintain good mental health. Nearly 20 percent of Americans 55 and older experience depression and anxiety disorders.

Studies have shown that engaging in social activities within the community can greatly improve mental health. Research has demonstrated a strong relationship between volunteering and mental health, and that volunteering provides older adults greater benefits than younger volunteers. Benefits include better mental and physical health; greater life satisfaction; less depression; and lower mortality rates.

The U.S. Administration on Aging and its National Aging Services Network support a number of successful programs throughout the country that are helping older adults live better today and in the future. These programs help keep people independent and out of nursing homes through streamlined access to health and long-term care information and options. And they provide home and community-based systems of services that include support for family caregivers.

These home and community-based programs also encourage older people to remain active and make behavioral changes through the increased use of evidence-based disease prevention programs under the Older Americans Act as well as the use of preventive benefits available under Medicare.

Arizonans of all ages and backgrounds can celebrate Older Americans Month. Contact Pima Council on Aging, your local Agency on Aging, and volunteer for activities in your area; promote community, state, and national efforts to serve older adults; and find ways to enrich the lives of older adults who touch your life.

Additionally, actively search out ways you can involve your community’s older adults in volunteer efforts, allowing them to share their wisdom and energy. By working together, we can improve the health and well-being of our community’s older adults and pave the way for better health as we age.

For more information about PCOA’s programs and services, call its Help Line at 790-7262 or visit pcoa.org online.

Information for Friday’s column is provided by Jim Murphy, PCOA’S president and chief executive officer.

Pima Council on Aging

Citizen Staff Writer
RealFAST TIPS AND MORE

Margaret Conway, a senior at Catalina Magnet High School, is this year’s winner of the Gary P. Durrenberger Memorial Scholarship.

The four-year scholarship is worth $2,000 per year.

An honor roll recipient, Conway competed at the 2008 Arizona Interscholastic Association’s state swimming and diving championships. She has been active in basketball and water polo, and was a student athletic trainer. A National Honor Society member, Conway is also active in her church, teaching Sunday school.

The Fifth Annual Gary P. Durrenberger Memorial Golf Tournament is set for May 15 at El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Club. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund, which was founded by Charles and Laura Durrenberger after their son died in a car accident in 2004 at age 18, two weeks after graduating from Canyon del Oro High School.

Five scholarships have been awarded.

For more information, go to www.GolfForGary.org.

Family Plus

Freelance
ROSIE ON THE HOUSE

If your windows and doors are letting cool, air-conditioned air leak outdoors, your electric bill will tell you soon.

Good news: Now is a great time to invest in energy-efficient windows and other home-improvement products that can keep your home more comfortable and cut down energy bills.

You don’t have to look hard to find discounts on all kinds of home products as stores and contractors put them on sale to get cautious consumers spending again during this recession.

Making it even more tempting to shop for energy efficiency is a substantial new federal tax credit – up to $1,500 – for anyone who buys superefficient windows, doors, insulation, metal and asphalt roofs, heating and air conditioning systems and some water heaters. Solar panels and some alternative-energy systems qualify for an even higher tax credit.

If discounted prices plus a huge tax credit aren’t enough of an incentive to replace your home’s older, inefficient products, consider how much money you’ll save on energy every year because the new models cost so much less to operate.

This perfect storm of circumstances – plenty of sales, a big federal tax credit and our need to save money on energy bills – makes this a good time to “go green.”

In fact, most of us are thinking a little “greener” than we used to, and we’re trying to find affordable ways not only to lower our energy bills, but also to reduce the negative impact we have on the environment.

To take advantage of the new tax credits, tell your salesperson or contractor that you want to invest in a product that qualifies. Not all energy-efficient devices are on the list. In fact, even some Energy Star products are excluded.

And note: If you’re buying windows, doors, a metal or asphalt roof or insulation, you can claim the credit only on the product, not the installation fees.

Plus, you’ll need to download a certificate from the Web site of the product’s manufacturer that guarantees that it meets the federal requirements for the tax credit. Save that, along with your sales receipt, in case the IRS has a question about your claim later.

Making energy-efficient improvements to your home makes sense at any time, especially if you live in an older house with single-pane windows and an air-conditioning system that has to work too hard – and guzzle too much energy – to cool your house in summer.

Right now, it makes even more sense because so much is on sale and because these tax credits are good only for 2009 and 2010.

Yes, money’s tight, and maybe you could put off replacing those leaky windows or that worn-out insulation for a couple of years. But the incentives are here now. And an investment in energy efficiency now will make your house cheaper to operate. Those savings will show up immediately and reward you every month you see your energy bill.

Rosie Romero has been in the Arizona homebuilding and remodeling industry for 35 years. He has a radio program from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KNST-AM (790). For more do-it-yourself tips and for Arizona’s most-trusted contractor referral network, go to rosieonthehouse.com or call (888) ROSIE-4-U during the show. The Rosie on the House column appears every Friday.

Freelance
WHAT’S UP, DOC?

Question: I saw you speak in Ohio recently. My best friend and I have been reading “Have a New Kid by Friday.” I have learned quite a bit. I am waiting for one of my kids to “mess up,” so I can try something new.

My friend and her kids lived with us last year for a couple of months. My husband and I asked her to leave, mostly because her kids are out of control. I suggest that she try your methods, but she refuses. I think she worries it will make her look like a bad mom.

We spent some time together the other day, and she asked her 9-year-old son to put on his shoes five times. By the fifth time, she was screaming at him.

Then her 2-year-old son threw himself on the floor and started screaming because they were out of yogurt. Her reply was, “Let’s get something else to eat.” She said this repeatedly. He couldn’t even hear her over his own screaming fit.

And this was a good day for her and the kids.

Is there anything I can do? When I am with her kids, and she is not with us, I never have any problems.

I am at the point where I don’t want to be around her or her four kids when they are together. Should I just tell her that? Or should I continue nagging at her to try your suggestions?

Answer: The question is, do you want to keep her as a friend?

You could sit her down, and say, “I was thinking about your kids and how they do this or how they do that and how you respond. I wonder if you ever think you should handle it differently? This Leman guy has a take that when this happens, then that should happen.”

You could walk her through that scenario, but I think the bigger question is do you want a friend?

If you really want a friend, and you tell this woman her kids are out of control, she may not be your friend anymore. It’s like saying, “Hey, your kid is ugly.”

It sounds like you’ve had it anyway. I always say if all else fails, why not try telling the truth. Sometimes, the truth hurts.

So there is the direct approach: “When your kids come over, it’s just too much. Maybe it’s a weakness on my part, but I can’t handle it.” Then give her an example, perhaps the yogurt incident.

The other way is to limit the time you spend with her, Distance yourself. Sooner or later, she will ask what is wrong, and you can let her know.

But understand that if you tell her you cannot handle her and her kids, your friendship may be over.

Dr. Kevin Leman is a Tucson psychologist and author of more than 30 best-selling books, including “Have a New Kid by Friday.” E-mail questions to him at whatsupdoc@tucsoncitizen.com. Photo by Tom Spitz Photography.

Freelance
WHAT’S UP, DOC?

Question: I am a father who is very involved in the lives of my sons, who are 15 and 12. Their mother is not in the picture, and they live with me full time.

Last year, I started dating the mother of my 12-year-old son’s best friend, who I met at a school event. We got married in March, and my son was very excited at the prospect of living with his best friend.

Now the two cannot stand each other. They pick on each other, and are constantly at war. It’s hard for them to be in the same room.

I did not see this problem coming. I thought the boys would get along great.

Any advice?

Answer: Kids are always excited beforehand. It’s sort of like two older siblings getting excited when Mommy goes away to the hospital and brings home a little brother or sister. But once the thing comes home, the kids get it. This is for real.

What you are experiencing is not unusual. Kids at any age usually have problems when their parents remarry.

It’s just the way it is.

When little Sun Devil and Wildcat go after each other, the best thing for both of you to do is to refrain from placing a judgment on who did what and why, but to simply hold both of them accountable for fighting, with the suggestion that fighting occurs outside the home and not in the home.

You as a parent could escort kids to the back door and ask them to continue fighting outside.

When they’re done fighting, which usually isn’t more than a minute or two, trust me, they will be at the door, ready to come in.

Usually kids don’t actually duke it out. “You start it.” “No, you start it.” It usually ends with that.

The other obvious thing I would suggest is that you hold, for lack of a better term, family meetings on a regular basis, where family members can talk about what they think is so grossly unfair about the present arrangement.

Try not to be the one that offers solutions to those problems. Let the kids try to figure out how they are going to peacefully coexist.

Pull the 12-year-olds aside and say, “Listen, you have essentially six more years to serve in this prison. It really would be helpful for you guys to learn how to solve your problems. If you don’t, and you continue to act in a non-responsible manner, your mother and I will not be turning over car keys, for example, to kids who aren’t responsible enough to settle routine squabbles in a responsible way.”

That should get their attention.

Dr. Kevin Leman is a Tucson psychologist and author of more than 30 best-selling books, including “Have a New Kid by Friday.” E-mail questions to him at whatsupdoc@tucsoncitizen.com. Photo by Tom Spitz Photography.

DR. KEVIN LEMAN