Margaret Suanne Bone

Inspired to get in better shape and improve her general health, Margaret Suanne Bone started running in college. Although other exercise programs left her bored and unmotivated, she eventually grew attached to the routine and even increased her mileage weekly. After a few years of solo outings, her attention turned toward more competitive pursuits. Margaret Suanne Bone had never participated in any form of racing before entering college. Since then, Margaret Suanne Bone has run and completed numerous 5Ks and quite a few 10Ks.

Of all her accomplishments, Margaret Suanne Bone is proudest that she has completed two half-marathons. Those two half-marathons held special significance for her and her family. Her brother suffers from Crohn’s disease. Margaret Suanne Bone says that both half-marathons served as part of fundraising efforts for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. She completed her first half-marathon in Napa, and then a second in Nashville last fall. Margaret Suanne Bone and some of her family members have also been involved with another Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation event, the Take Steps Walk.

As has been noted by numerous medical professionals, running is one of the best exercises for burning calories and losing weight. It helps to improve energy and strengthen muscles. It increases aerobic capacity and combats life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Some simple techniques have kept Margaret Suanne Bone on track. For first-time runners, she emphasizes that the right way to run is to focus on distance first and worry about speed later. Drinking plenty of fluids before and after also makes for a successful workout.

Most gyms and exercise facilities carry exorbitant costs, says Margaret Suanne Bone. However, running is a relatively inexpensive pursuit. Runners need a minimum of gear—running shorts, shirts and shoes—to start. The social aspect is attractive as well. Joining a community running group is an opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

In addition to the physical conditioning, Margaret Suanne Bone notes that running also carries mental and emotional benefits. At the end of a long workday, she views running as “therapeutic.” Margaret Suanne Bone prefers to take a morning run before work, but at times she will squeeze in a few miles on West Main Street in Lebanon during the evenings. Whether she is training for a local 5K or simply appreciating a long jog through the neighborhood, she feels happier and more self-confident when sticking with her routine.

JustFab.com

The onset of warm weather not only gives us an excuse to wear sandals and open toe JustFab.com shoes, but it also gives us a great reason to go get a pedicure. While the pampering is a treat, the best part is selecting a polish color to coordinate with our favorite JustFab.com shoes. From neons to pastels, we’ve selected some of our top shades for pairing with our must-have JustFab.com spring styles.

Topanga is a colorful, printed JustFab.com wedge. Made of supple materials with a zip-up back, JustFab.com captures the global traveler trend to a t with this ikat inspired look.  Available in turquoise or orange, the turquoise would pair well with a pedicure in one of the shoe’s cool accent colors: deep plum or shimmering peach. The orange JustFab.com style would be complemented by a pedicure in dazzling sea blue.

JustFab.com’s Copacabana is a sleek, classic heeled sandal. With a trendy neutral ankle strap and pastel hues of coral or mint, JustFab.com has reinterpreted a traditional look for spring. The mint shade would look smashing with a bubble gum pink or mauve pedicure, and the coral JustFab.com color would be a perfect match for fuchsia or hot pink toes.

Istanbul is an exotic, global JustFab.com shoe. Inspired by the city, this rich yet casual beaded sandal features a velvety textured fabric, a crisscross design and double ankle straps. Available in purple and black, both colorways feature metallic beading in periwinkle, pink and gold. Either shade of this JustFab.com shoe would go well with a butter yellow or shiny gunmetal colored pedicure.

JustFab.com’s Cancun is a resort wedge that will leave you feeling like you’re on vacation south of the border. Featuring a stylish t-strap with stacked buckles at the ankle, this JustFab.com beauty is available in black or cognac, and both include a summery tropical geometric weave on the wedge. This JustFab.com summer shoe would look fabulous with a pedicure in pastel pink, neutral nude, or a light olive.

Berne is a sporty peep-toe sandal from JustFab.com.  This shaped JustFab.com platform with a tall stiletto heel boasts a modern cutout design and bold neon highlights. Pair this edgy JustFab.com style with a neon pink pedicure to pick up the accent color of the shoe.

JustFab.com is the web’s top subscription-based fashion site, offering members the opportunity to have fashionable styles of shoes, handbags, denim and other accessories handpicked for them by in-the-know style experts.

Scott Safadi

Scott Safadi is the president of Cal Bay Property Management (CBPM) located in Palo Alto, Calif. Scott Safadi graduated from Dartmouth College in 2003 and moved to Saratoga, Calif., where he began working in property management. Scott Safadi founded CBPM in 2009 and then proceeded to revolutionize the property management business in Silicon Valley. Scott Safadi holds a CCRM (California Certified Resident Manager) designation.

Information Nation: We’re talking with Scott Safadi, president of Cal Bay Property Management. Thank you for meeting with us today, Scott.

Scott Safadi: My pleasure.

Information Nation: How would you describe CBPM to someone who is unfamiliar with your company?

Scott Safadi: CBPM is a property management company based in the San Francisco Bay Area that specializes in multifamily properties, asset management, and real estate financial analysis.

Information Nation: What sets CBPM apart from other property management companies?

Scott Safadi: Personalized service. We specialize in one product and one area—multifamily properties in the South Bay/Peninsula market. CBPM keeps its finger on the pulse of current industry trends. No one else can match our level of service.

Information Nation: How do you define your special level of service?

Scott Safadi: Service, as you expect it. It’s a simple idea. When you need something, call us and we’ll answer. No waiting on hold, no keying-in of numbers or information into an electronic system, just us, ready to serve you. We respond within the hour.

Information Nation: How does CBPM go above and beyond its competitors?

Scott Safadi: One example is that we don’t view expenses as someone else’s money. We manage our own properties together with our clients. If we find something isn’t up to our high standards, we make sure it’s improved upon for our clients as well. Also, as a CBPM client the contact for our comprehensive management services is one man, the man in charge—me.

Information Nation: Are you saying you personally respond to calls?

Scott Safadi: I take an active role in CBPM. I believe in maintaining a one-on-one relationship and, yes, I visit all of the properties personally. It’s my responsibility to ensure each of CBMP’s properties run smoothly, so we only manage properties within an hour’s drive of our main office.

Information Nation: Does that mean you limit expansion projects to an hour’s drive or less from your office?

Scott Safadi: Correct. I add only as many properties as I can personally administer on a continuing basis. We offer property management solely to properties in the San Francisco Bay Area, which allows us to be specialists in this particular segment of the market.

Information Nation: You concentrate on multifamily properties. Do you have plans to expand into other property types?

Scott Safadi: I aspire to the old adage of “do one thing and do it well,” so I prefer to keep CBPM as an apartments-only property management company. In doing so, it’s possible to focus on details that are fundamental to apartment communities.

Information Nation: Do you have a particular goal in mind when working with your owners and clients?

Scott Safadi: To provide excellent service and help keep operational costs low. I do that by working with my contacts in the construction industry in order to realize the best value with the highest quality results on projects. Our clients also receive regular upgrades to their units. This keeps properties as up to date as possible and provides added value.

Information Nation: Are you actively searching for new opportunities for CBPM?

Scott Safadi: I’m always open to new opportunities, but CBPM’s area of expertise is the 20- to 100-unit properties. CBPM is personally invested in those types of properties. We manage our client’s property alongside our own, so that area of concentration is our No. 1 objective.

Information Nation: What is the most important part of your property management business?

Scott Safadi: That’s easy—tenants are a property manager’s most important assets. Our objective is to take care of the tenants and give them the very best apartment experience possible.

Information Nation: What exactly does the “very best apartment experience” entail?

Scott Safadi: It’s a simple concept: Discover what a client’s greatest expectations are and then exceed them.

Scott Safadi and his wife, Rachel, were married in 2007. Scott Safadi and his family live in Saratoga, Calif. To learn more about Scott Safadi and Cal Bay Property Management, visit the company’s website at calbaypm.com.

Travis Jones Rush Properties

Kansas-based homebuyer Travis Jones of Rush Properties has noted a significant spike in home prices since the economic recovery began. Here, Travis Jones of Rush Properties talks to us about the advantages of buying now and why market confidence continues to rise.

Information Nation: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: It’s my pleasure. I’m always happy to talk about real estate.

Information Nation: We understand that you’re an expert regarding the Johnson County housing market.

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Johnson County is my home. My family and I live in Stilwell, and I have worked in this area for more than 15 years.

Information Nation: Is it true that Johnson County has enjoyed a rise in property values in the last year?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Indeed it has. Even in the last couple of months we have seen steady increases. Our median list price now averages just under $200,000.

Information Nation: What is the highest priced city in Johnson County?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: That’s easy—Mission Hills. Homes there average $1.3 million.

Information Nation: Why is Johnson County such a good place to live, and why are home prices rising?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Money Magazine recently noted Johnson County is one of the top 25 counties in the U.S. for life expectancy. Couple that with the build quality and workmanship of our homes, and it is easy to see why the area is growing.

Information Nation: Aside from Mission Hills, what other cities are notable in the area?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: There are many, but Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, and Prairie Village come to mind.

Information Nation: CNN also listed three cities in the county in its Top 100 Places to Live in 2008, correct?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Yes—Overland Park came in at No. 9, Olathe No. 11, and Shawnee No. 39.

Information Nation: How are interest rates looking these days?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: I’ve seen rates for homebuyers and refinancers holding at less than 3.5 percent for a 30-year fixed rate. Fifteen-year loans are even better, often coming in at just around 2.5 percent for those with excellent credit.

Information Nation: What about supply and demand for the county?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: That fluctuates, but for April 2013, Johnson County had less than 2,000 properties on the market with an average list time of just about two and a half months.

Information Nation: That’s great compared to a few years ago, no?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Yes, it is. After the housing bubble burst of the mid-2000s, people were seeing list times of six months or more. Many homes sat on the market for more than a year.

Information Nation: How many homes are listed and sold on average per month?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: That varies each month, but looking at April again, for every 215 homes listed there were 205 sold.

Information Nation: So, there really isn’t a lot of inventory just floating around?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Not at all—the great homes get taken very quickly.

Information Nation: What do you mean by “great homes?”

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: The ones with the best curb appeal, best features, and the ones that are move-in-ready.

Information Nation: Why does it vary so much?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Traditionally, homes sell more in the spring and summer when kids are out of school and weather is more cooperative.

Information Nation: So, it sounds like Johnson County is a seller’s market now?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: The MAI (Market Action Index) shows for April that the number is just fewer than 40. Anything over 30 is considered a seller’s market.

Information Nation: It sounds like now is a great time to buy and sell in the area. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: My pleasure.

About Travis Jones and Rush Properties

Travis Jones, Rush Properties founder, is also co-founder of Cherry Park Properties. Through Rush Properties, Travis Jones purchases residential properties in Johnson County and resells them once they have passed his quality inspections. He is committed to helping his hometown and the surrounding areas grow through responsible real estate and construction practices.

Infancy

Infants do require a lot of Mom (and Dad), but with a little advanced preparation, even a new parent can make it work. A baby will spend most of his or her time sleeping, eating and crying. The trick is to work when baby sleeps, but only during the morning hours. Leave the afternoon and nighttime for doing housework and catching up on sleep. A new WAHM (Work at Home Mom) may try to squeeze several hours in a day, but it isn’t worth it. Start with one to two hours every other day to get into the swing of things. A lifesaver for many WAHMs is to get food, diapers and bottles/sippy cups ready the night before.

Toddlerhood

As kids grow, so do their tendencies to want to do everything Mom does. Toddlers want to be big. Working with a 2- or 3-year-old in tow requires loads of patience. Grab some crayons and paper, a toy laptop, and an old, disconnected phone and let the toddler “work” his or her own job. Try for 15-minute spurts. While that isn’t a great deal of time, it’s usually enough to get organized and prepared to work during the child’s nap or bedtime.

The truth about working from home

Tons of ads claim you can “work from home and make big bucks while spending all your time with your family.” The reality is that these jobs don’t really exist. Working from home means just that—working. A successful career, whether in or outside of the home, means dedication and staying on top of customer needs while tending personal obligations (diapers, snacks, potty training) all at the same time. The old adage “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” really holds here.

Best work-from-home jobs

The best jobs are the ones the intent telecommuter already knows how to do. For the creative types, photography or graphic design are excellent choices. Writers can work from home with little more than a computer and a train of thought. Crafty? Consider making jewelry or jumping on the “green” train and helping others save Mother Earth by using recycled materials for art. There are also many party format businesses such as Stella & Dot, 31 Gifts, and Tupperware that can offer flexibility, fun, and even some hefty product discounts. The caveat with these careers is that most people enter into them expecting to start sorting piles of cash overnight. With any side business, cash flow is usually shorter than the naps the children are, or are not, taking.

Many women work from home because they need a little extra income to supplement a spouse’s job or to replace wages lost after entering parenthood. Others do it for the opportunity to be someone other than “Mom” for a few moments of time. Ultimately, the decision to work from home is one that must be entered into with an open mind and the knowledge that the children’s needs must come first.

Charles Brennan

Charles Brennan started Las Vegas, Nevada based Dollar Loan Center in 1998 to address a gap in short-term lending services.  What started with just one store in Las Vegas, Nevada, has now grown to include 80 locations in four states.  Dollar Loan Center offers signature loans to help borrowers cover emergency expenses that crop up before payday.  Differentiating itself from typical payday loan centers, Charles Brennan and Dollar Loan Centers do not charge upfront or processing fees and only charge simple, daily interest until the loan is repaid, never longer.  In the following interview, Charles Brennan offers simple tips for saving money.

Information Nation:  Welcome and thank you for joining us today from your home in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Charles Brennan:  Happy to do it.

Information Nation:  Let’s get right to it; what are some steps our readers in Las Vegas, Nevada and beyond can take today to save money?

Charles Brennan:  Start by not letting your money blow out the window, doors and cracks of your home.  By simply covering the pesky drafts around the house, people can reduce their heating expenses by three to eighteen percent.

Information Nation:  Great tip!  What else?

Charles Brennan:  Sign up for group discount sites, such as groupon.com or livingsocial.com, which offer regular deals on the things your family needs and enjoys.  Also, shop on BOGO days at the grocery store.

Information Nation:  It seems like prices fluctuate so much; how do we get a handle on these changes?

Charles Brennan:  Yes, it’s true.  In the coming year, healthcare, taxes, public transit, and meat and dairy products will end up costing us all more.  Bloomberg and Reuters are great sources for financial news, or even 15 minutes a day online at a financial website or 2.

Information Nation:  What about long-term savings?

Charles Brennan:  The best advice I can give here is start today!  Surround yourself with people that you want to be like financially in the future.  Live confident and ask your boss for a raise if you feel you deserve it and start by saving that amount immediately.

Information Nation:  Okay, but what if people don’t know where to start?

Charles Brennan:  I recommend first thinking about the major goals and objectives to be accomplished with the help of money.  When appropriate, talk to family members and work on the list together.  If you are a leader, lead; if you are a follower, follow a good, conservative leader that will have your best interests in mind.

Information Nation:  What types of goals and objectives typically end up on these lists?

Charles Brennan:  Of course lists will vary for each person, but people may include a new home or second home, vacation plans, college tuition, or retirement savings, for example.

Information Nation:  Then what?

Charles Brennan:  Then the list should be prioritized in a meaningful way.  After that, meeting with a financial advisor might be a good step or even an on-line budgeting tool.

Information Nation:  What will a financial adviser do?

Charles Brennan:  A financial adviser will go through the goals and objectives and help work through ways in which to accomplish them realistically.

Information Nation:  This has been really helpful.

Charles Brennan:  My pleasure, and happy savings!  Don’t forget that where you live will have a huge impact on your bottom line.  State taxes vary substantially from state to state.  Every penny you can save on taxes makes that piggy bank grow!

With dual interests in finance and music, Charles Brennan has been fortunate to find success promoting concerts and musicians as well as helping people through financial crises. Currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Charles Brennan recently opened the Brennan Rock ‘n Roll Academy, located in his hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Rick Dover

Since 1994, Rick Dover and his company, Family Pride Corporation, have been focusing on creating living accommodations for senior citizens in Loudon County, Tennessee. Today, Rick Dover explains why seniors have a different set of needs and what amenities they are looking for.

Information Nation: Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to join us today.

Rick Dover: It is absolutely my pleasure.

Information Nation: We understand that for the last two decades you have focused most of your energies on building senior housing. Before we begin, can you tell us why that is?

Rick Dover: When my family and I were looking for an affordable living arrangement for my aging grandfather, we came up short. So, since I had a background in real estate development, I decided it was my duty to fulfill this very real need.

Information Nation: But, why Loudon County?

Rick Dover: I’m from Knoxville so I have known about and visited Loudon County all of my life. The town’s historic charm was beginning to deteriorate so I thought why not?

Information Nation: Finding senior housing is definitely stressful. What do you suggest for seniors just beginning their search?

Rick Dover: Do not do it alone. Make sure to have as much support as possible and look for a facility that has amenities for comfort, convenience, and practical living.

Information Nation: What sort of housing do seniors usually need?

Rick Dover: For independent living, I would say that seniors need a single level home. Many report to me that a small kitchen suits them just fine and an even smaller yard with just enough room for a bit of landscaping here and there is ideal.

Information Nation: What is the benefit of having a smaller house?

Rick Dover: Aside from possibly limited mobility, seniors are typically on a fixed income and a smaller home can equate to less money in utilities each month.

Information Nation: What about flooring?

Rick Dover: That’s a tricky one. Seniors definitely want flooring that looks good but also that isn’t slippery and is easy to clean.

Information Nation: And the lighting, we understand you tend to take special care with lightning?

Rick Dover: I do, that’s true. This is because, as seniors age, their eyesight may not be as it once was. Therefore, nice, consistent, bright light is an asset.

Information Nation: Do seniors have any specific requirements for counter space and storage?

Rick Dover: Seniors typically need more storage and plenty of counter space to spread out. Ample storage means there is less chance for clutter which not only reduces stress but untidiness is a safety issue as well.

Information Nation: What about laundry facilities?

Rick Dover: In my experience, seniors typically want a separate laundry room that is easily accessible from the kitchen.

Information Nation: Can you explain to us a little about the concept of aging in place?

Rick Dover: Essentially, aging in place means that seniors can remain in one general location and have access to ample services as they are needed. This may mean living in the same location from the early post-retirement years up to hospice and end-of-life care.

Information Nation: Many seniors choose to live in an organized facility. Can you explain a little about these arrangements?

Rick Dover: There are many different assisted and independent living facilities available. Independent living means that the senior essentially cares for themselves in all aspects but with a bit of oversight from nonmedical personnel. For seniors needing a bit more assistance, there are facilities that resemble apartment homes and may provide services such as housekeeping and transportation assistance. There are also skilled nursing and memory care accommodations available.

Information Nation: Is there any certain level of care that all seniors need?

Rick Dover: Senior needs are as varied as they are. Each individual will require a different level of care.

Information Nation: What about the social aspect of retirement. Do assisted living facilities help that?

Rick Dover: Absolutely. Many seniors elect to enter a retirement community for the social aspect alone. Many communities offer amenities such as game rooms and scheduled activities for older seniors who want to remain active.

Information Nation: Do you have anything to add about senior living arrangements?

Rick Dover: I would like to add that Family Pride Corporation takes great care to create facilities that are not only affordable but also memorable. We specialize in renovating historic buildings for the purpose of senior assisted living. We do this in memory of my grandfather and hope that our love of family shows in each renovation that we perform.

Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation have been in existence since 1994. Along with his mother, Lucy, Rick Dover founded the company by refurbishing existing structures to create comfortable living space for the active and growing senior community of Loudon County.

Rick Dover lives in East Tennessee with his wife, Laurie.

Matt Schilit

Matt Schilit is a longtime school administrator, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.  In his current position with the Allendale County School District in South Carolina, Matt Schilit supervises all data, evaluation and testing. Since testing is an integral part of a school’s funding, it is important for school systems to find leaders such at Matt Schilit with extensive experience in the classroom environment.

Recently, Matt Schilit discussed the importance of membership in professional organizations for the current or aspiring school administrator with the staff at Information Nation.

Information Nation: Matt Schilit, why do you believe membership in professional educator associations is so important for school administrators?

Matt Schilit:  School administrators are in the business of education, which holds as one of its key values the axiom that learning is ongoing and never stops.  Membership in professional organizations provide opportunities for school administrators to put that idea into practice and keep honing their professional skills while acquiring new ones as well.  Also, the camaraderie that develops with other professionals is invaluable.

Information Nation: Matt Schilit, which leading organizations do you recommend?

Matt Schilit:  For South Carolina I recommend SCASA (South Carolina Association for School Administrators) and nationally I recommend ASCD, formerly known as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Information Nation: Matt Schilit, what kind of professional development opportunities are you referring to?

Matt Schilit:  SCASA is currently offering convenient, free webinars in cutting-edge topics such as “Where Neuroscience, Technology, Mathematics and Common Core Intersect.”  There’s another on the Bullying Prevention Initiative being rolled out statewide. ASCD is currently offering seminars and institutes in such helpful topics as addressing common core state educational standards implementation, audits and standard reviews as well as practical issues such as “What Works in the Classroom.”

Information Nation: Matt Schilit, what are some other benefits associated with these memberships?

Matt Schilit:  Members are afforded many discounts on books and online materials for the professional educator with special emphasis on the administrative elements of 21st century educational leadership.

Information Nation: Matt Schilit, can you think of any other reasons why a school administrator would need to join SCASA or ASCD?

Matt Schilit:  Where the classroom, the main office and the Board of Education intersect is the domain of the school administrator.  One of the most helpful aspects of membership in professional organizations is the interaction between individual professionals that takes place in seminars and in social settings.  The practical insights that can be gleaned from such interactions are invaluable.  School administrators have a challenging job to do and this kind of peer support in a non-competitive, collaborative environment is essential for attaining the highest level of accomplishment possible.

Just Fab

Denim was introduced to the American public in 1935 but was mainly used for farm work in the beginning. Once Hollywood came in the picture, blue jeans went from being functional to fashionable, and quickly became a staple of American fashion. No matter what body type or size, jeans flatter all of us, and Just Fab has all of the latest figure flattering styles. As jeans became more and more popular, high end designers started adding high priced denim items to their collections.

Jeans don’t have to cost a fortune to look great, which is clear with Just Fab’s new new designer denim at only $39.95 a pair. Fit is more important than the brand. You don’t have to give up on trendy styles to find a flattering fit, and Just Fab offers all of the latest trends in a wide range of sizes.  Jeans should be stylish and comfortable.  Just Fab denim can be dressed up and down and is essential for everyone’s wardrobe.  From classy blue to crazy patterns, Just Fab has something for everyone.

Master the Just Fab Signature Skinny Jeans without breaking the bank

The Just Fab skinny jeans have a snug fit from waist through the legs and have been popular for more than a decade.. Just Fab skinny jeans stretch comfortably to include all shapes and sizes. They are also great are great with Just Fab boots, sneakers, or Just Fab high heels.

 Just Fab carries Cool Crop Jeans in bold colors

Just Fab cropped jeans are shorter than the standard jeans length, yet longer than shorts. The Just Fab cropped jean is a wardrobe staple for the spring. These jeans may have a worn-out, faded look or be very dark in color. Just Fab offers the Cool Crop jeans in black, blue, purple and red.

Super Straight Jeans from Just Fab

The Just Fab Straight leg jeans are cut in a way that they are a tad looser than skinny jeans and the leg opening is almost exactly the same from the knee down to the ankle. Straight leg jeans don’t go in and out of fashion as much as the other styles and should therefore be a staple in any woman’s closet.

Just Fab presents Fabulous Flare Jeans

Flared leg jeans were originally used as an accessory to boots. The main characteristic of the Just Fab flared style jeans is a widening of the lower legs.  That flared leg jeans are great if you want a more boho look.  . The Just Fab flared jeans look 1970s when worn with a pair of platforms, and dress up easily with an edgy pair of Just Fab heels.

With an item that is worn as frequently as denim, quality is a must, and Just Fab delivers on quality.  A great pair of jeans is the one that not only fits you, but also makes you feel great, and the Just Fab team spent months perfecting the their denim for all body types..  While some women feel the need to spend nearly $200 for a pair of great designer jeans, Just Fab has the answer for women who want to look their best without hurting their wallet. The design team at Just Fab is focused on making designer quality jeans at an affordable price.

Pam Gray Bonaventure

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO since 2004, has spent her career helping seniors live their lives to the fullest.  Many people worry about getting dementia and Alzheimer’s as they grow older, notes Pam Gray of Bonaventure.  In the following interview, Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO, talks about how food can impact brain functioning.

Information Nation:  Thanks for joining us!  Please tell readers about Bonaventure.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  Thanks!  Bonaventure is a network of senior living communities with campuses located in six states.

Information Nation:  Tell readers what you know about brain disease in older adults.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  It is not as prevalent as everyone might think.  According to eMedicine physicians, as low as 1 percent of people age 60-65 have dementia, and about 30-50 percent of those over age 85.

Information Nation:  The cases really jump up with age; why is that?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  It is a fact that our bodies and brains deteriorate as we age; the older you get, the more problems you tend to face.

Information Nation:  What are some of the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  Memory loss is most commonly associated with these diseases.  These are degenerative diseases, meaning someone may go from forgetting names or how to drive, to complete dependence on others to function.

Information Nation:  How can food help combat brain disease?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  Research has found so many foods that help keep the brain healthy and slow, reverse, or even stop these brain diseases from progressing.

Information Nation:  What types of foods should we be eating?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  Choose foods high in antioxidants.  Antioxidants found in berries, for example, stop inflammation in the brain and allow cells to work better.  There are also good antioxidants in spinach, grapefruit, and apples.

Information Nation:  What if I don’t enjoy those foods?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  Antioxidants can also be found in wine and dark chocolate! 

Information Nation:  What else?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  The Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon have been found to lower the blood levels beta-amyloid, thought to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Information Nation:  Where else can seniors get good fats?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  Fish oil supplements are available and there are good fats in certain nuts.  If fish oil is not your thing, a great alternative is flax seed oil.

Information Nation:  What about Indian food?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  Indian food can be great, especially if the dish contains turmeric!  Curcumin, found in turmeric, has been linked to preventing Alzheimer’s.

Information Nation:  What foods should be avoided?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  Processed food and any saturated fats that clog up the brain.

Information Nation:  Is this an all-or-nothing deal?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  No, even incorporating some of these foods into the diet can be helpful.

Information Nation:  Where can readers learn more about brain healthy eating?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO:  WebMD, the Mayo Clinic, and AARP all provide great information.

About Pam Gray, Bonaventure, and its Programs

Pam Gray, with Bonaventure since 2004, has served seniors for over 20 years.  Pam Gray and Bonaventure provide thousands of seniors with housing and individualized services throughout 37 communities. Away from work, Pam Gray of Bonaventure can be found growing beautiful things in her garden.