Senior Living Spring 2022

The North Shore's 

longest-running 

Senior Resource 

Guide 

SPRING 

2022 

HEALTH CARE 

COMMUNITY 

SENIOR 

ORGANIZATIONS 

ELDER LAW 

AND FINANCIAL 

SPECIALISTS 

IN-HOME-CARE 

ASSISTANCE 

NURSING AND 

REHABILITATIVE CARE 

AFFORDABLE 

SENIOR HOUSING 

OPPORTUNITIES 

SENIOR LIVING 

ASSISTED LIVING 

AND 

MUCH MORE 

ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 

LYNNFIELD 

WEEKLY NEWS 

PEABODY 

WEEKLY NEWS

2 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP SENIOR LIVING SPRING 2022 

SENIOR LIVING SPRING 2022 

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 

J Barrett.........................................................................................................................................................................3 

Dr Kozlauska.................................................................................................................................................................4 

Element Care................................................................................................................................................................5 

Evelyn Rockas..............................................................................................................................................................6 

Silver Lining..................................................................................................................................................................7 

Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS)........................................................................................................................8 

Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS)........................................................................................................................9 

Julie Low.....................................................................................................................................................................10 

Linda Hansen..............................................................................................................................................................12 

Brooksby Village........................................................................................................................................................14 

Partners Rehab...........................................................................................................................................................14 

Care Dimension..........................................................................................................................................................15 

Edgewood...................................................................................................................................................................16 

Puritan Lawn...............................................................................................................................................................17 

Conway........................................................................................................................................................................19 

Ruggiero......................................................................................................................................................................21 

Adult Foster Care.......................................................................................................................................................23 

Marjorie Youngren......................................................................................................................................................24 

A PUBLICATION OF ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 

LYNNFIELD 

WEEKLY NEWS 

PEABODY 

WEEKLY NEWS

SENIOR LIVING SPRING 2022 ESSEX MEDIA GROUP 3 

Is it time for you to move from your treasured home? 

Choose a knowledgeable real estate professional. 

“The time has come the walrus 

said….” to downsize: to move from 

a treasured home filled with a lifetime 

of memories and skyrocketing 

equity to a “new” residence that 

fits your lifestyle and financial 

needs--TODAY. 

The best way to achieve all those 

goals successfully is to work with 

a knowledgeable and experienced 

real estate professional like Maria 

Salzillo. She knows what it takes 

to buy and sell houses in your area 

and her advice can save you time, 

many headaches and money. 

Let’s Start With Dollars... 

Working with Maria lets you take 

advantage of what she knows: the 

most up-to-date info on property 

values and comps in your neighborhood 

(all real estate is local), which 

are essential to determine with the 

“right” price—the one that attracts 

buyers from the get-go. Even in today’s 

market when homes seem to 

sell overnight, overpriced houses 

can languish for weeks causing 

buyers to wonder if there’s a problem. 

Then when the price drops to 

where it should have been, chances 

are that the first (or worse yet, 

only) offer will be even lower. 

For most people buying/selling 

a house is one of the largest and 

most expensive transactions they 

will ever make. Most house sales 

are well over $300,000. That’s a lot 

of money to risk. 

Something to Talk About... 

Letting buyers know your house 

is waiting and ready for a new 

owner is the next step. As a real estate 

professional, Maria has excellent 

access to marketing resources 

including Multiple Listing Service 

(MLS), which everyone checks. 

While it’s nice seeing your house 

“advertised” in print and online 

here, there and everywhere, the reality 

is that most real estate sales 

happen through people. Maria has 

a vast network via previous clients, 

referrals, friends, family and 

personal contacts. 

Expertise Matters 

Maria also knows how to avoid 

potential pitfalls in a transaction. 

The amount of paperwork—whether 

hard copy or digital—is mindboggling. 

The average contract 

(Purchase and Sale Agreement), for 

example, is 10 to 17 pages long and 

that’s before any special wants/exclusions, 

contingency clauses, etc. 

are included. Let’s not forget the 

Offer to Purchase and the all-important 

Home Inspection Report. 

Incidentally getting an offer or 

making one isn’t always straightforward. 

For example, the buyer 

plans to redo that newly remodeled 

purple tile bathroom and wants to 

factor that cost into the offer. The 

proud owner is likely to resist any 

price haggling. That’s where you 

need a cool, experienced (and yes,) 

objective head like Maria to keep 

the situation businesslike, the deal 

on track. 

Added Value 

A Seniors Real Estate Specialist 

certified by the National Association 

of Realtors, Maria understands 

the unique real estate opportunities 

and options available to homeowners 

over 55 and the subsequent 

financial considerations. “Selling a 

home is complex regardless of your 

age, but when this is where you’ve 

lived for many years, the process 

can be particularly challenging and 

sometimes, even heart-wrenching,” 

says Maria. “I know the ins and 

outs of the real estate process and 

I understand the emotional stress 

of selling a beloved home while trying 

to find the next ‘perfect’ one.” 

Maria Salzillo has served the 

North Shore real estate market for 

more than 11 years, helping clients 

successfully buy and sell properties 

throughout the area. She has also 

earned the Accredited Buyer Representative, 

Accredited Staging Professional, 

Certified Neighborhood 

Specialist, and Certified Residential 

Specialist.


How you can protect those 

who are most vulnerable to flu 

STATEPOINT 

Flu season is still underway and 

it’s important to protect yourself and 

your loved ones. While influenza can 

have severe health consequences for 

anyone, adults 65 and older and those 

with chronic health conditions are especially 

vulnerable. Nationally, up to 

70 percent of flu hospitalizations have 

occurred in patients over 65. Because 

the immune system naturally weakens 

with age and older adults don’t always 

develop the same level of immunity 

through vaccination as younger 

people, they may benefit from the additional 

protection of having those they 

are in regular, close contact also be 

vaccinated. As for those living with underlying 

health conditions like chronic 

lung disease, diabetes and chronic 

heart disease, flu illness can become 

severe, while also making chronic disease 

management more difficult. 

According to advocates, here’s how 

everyone can do their part to help protect 

those who are at high risk for severe 

influenza complications: 

• Get vaccinated: The best way to protect 

against flu and its potentially serious 

complications is with a flu vaccine. 

Flu vaccinations have been in use for 

more than 50 years, with hundreds of 

millions of Americans safely receiving 

PHOTO | GETTY IMAGES 

them. The Centers for Disease Control 

recommends that everyone 6 months 

and older get a seasonal flu vaccine 

each year. Vaccination is particularly 

important for vulnerable individuals 

and those with whom they spend time, 

including family members, caregivers, 

and those who work in long-term care 

settings. 

• Take everyday preventive actions: 

To further reduce the spread of illness, 

take everyday precautions. Frequently 

wash your hands with soap and water 

for at least 20 seconds. Don’t touch 

your eyes, nose or mouth and always 

cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue 

or your elbow. Avoid close contact 

with people who are sick. 

For additional guidance, refer to the 

“Caregiver Flu Toolkit” from the Lung 

Association and Anthem Foundation, a 

comprehensive guide to educate caregivers 

of adults 65 and over about flu 

and the importance of vaccination to 

help protect them from contracting 

the flu. The free downloadable guide is 

available at Lung.org/Fend-Off-Flu. 

While flu vaccination and other preventive 

measures are important every 

year, during the ongoing COVID-19 

pandemic, it’s especially essential to 

take steps to protect those who are 

most vulnerable. 

JOHN KOZLAUSKA, D.M.D. 

Dental Care North, INC. 

• Affordable treatment options 

• Complimentary consultation 

• Senior discounts 

781-334-2520 

700 SUMMER STREET LYNNFIELD


When it comes to supporting 

seniors, choosing care is personal 

No one likes to be in a position of 

asking for help, but as we get older, 

most of us have to get comfortable accepting 

assistance. That help might 

be cobbled together from family and 

friends, paid staff or the community. 

When your support system is loosely 

organized, it can all fall apart if the 

usual help isn’t available, or when 

you temporarily need extra support, 

like after surgery. 

The question is, how can you get the 

right amount of reliable help without 

giving up the independence you value? 

Consider PACE, like the Element 

Care PACE program that operates in 

more than 40 towns across the North 

Shore and Merrimack Valley. PACE 

stands for Program of All-Inclusive 

Care for the Elderly, and it includes 

a lot of different kinds of support for 

older adults who need extra help but 

want to keep living in the communities 

they call home. 

A big part of what makes Element 

Care PACE unique is the healthcare. 

Rather than chasing referrals 

and appointments all over town, all 

of your doctors, specialists and visits 

happen through Element Care 

PACE. They have all the bases covered, 

including dental, vision, and 

hearing, as well as mental health, 

nutrition, and physical and occupational 

therapy. When you’re in the 

program, all these health services 

are included and available when you 

need them. 

Like so many aspects of life with 

PACE, your healthcare is personalized 

based on your needs. If you need 

support at home, Element Care can 

arrange help for meals, personal care 

or housekeeping. For folks who want 

to get out and about, one of the best 

parts of the program is everything 

going on at the PACE centers. 

Element Care’s centers in Lynn, 

Gloucester, Beverly, Methuen and 

Lowell are a bustling hub of activity 

every day, with safe transportation 

provided. Besides being the location 

for most of your health services, the 

PACE centers are where other seniors 

gather to socialize, enjoy meals, 

exercise, and take part in activities 

from cards and games to crafts and 

dancing. At the end of the day, you 

get to go home to your familiar surroundings. 

More help is something we all need 

as we get older, but getting the support 

you need is a personal choice. 

When your independence is at stake, 

you need a reliable system personalized 

for your lifestyle. With a program 

like Element Care PACE, participants 

get to enjoy the best of both 

worlds: true independent living, at 

home in the community, along with 

highly personalized and all-inclusive 

care for all the important things. 

When you can count on help like 

that, you can get back to enjoying 

your independence without relying 

on friends or family for every little 

thing. 

If you or a loved one could benefit 

from PACE at Element Care, call today 

to talk to their knowledgeable 

staff and find out if you qualify at 

(877) 803-5564 (TTY 711). Or, learn 

more online at elementcare.org. 

All of Your Care. 

All in One Place. 

Discover personalized care for seniors 

in your community. 

Element Care PACE is coordinated care for quality 

of life. This unique care model provides complete 

medical, social and home care services to adults 

55+ across the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. 

Call today to see how we could help 

you stay independent, in your community. 

(877) 803-5564 [TTY 711] elementcare.org 

No cost for MassHealth and Medicare eligible. Contact us for Medicare only and private pay options. Participants must receive 

all health care, primary and specialist physician services-other than emergency services-as authorized by PACE or be fully and 

personally liable for costs of unauthorized services.


Is your sleep apnea under control? 

STATEPOINT 

High-quality sleep is fundamental 

to your health and happiness. 

However, for the 10-30% of U.S. 

adults living with sleep apnea, a 

good night’s rest is not guaranteed. 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a respiratory 

condition where airways 

narrow during sleep, causing short 

periods when you’re not breathing. 

Incredibly common, it’s estimated 

that there are millions of Americans 

with undiagnosed and untreated 

sleep apnea. Uncontrolled 

sleep apnea is associated with 

a number of challenging symptoms, 

including Excessive Daytime 

Sleepiness (EDS). This symptom, 

which can linger even after one begins 

being treated for sleep apnea, 

is often described as feeling excessively 

drowsy. If you experience 

EDS, you might even fall asleep 

when you shouldn’t. For example, 

sleepiness at work or while you’re 

watching kids, along with drowsy 

driving, could put you and others 


at an increased risk of accidents 

and injury. 

Not everyone being treated for 

sleep apnea experiences complete 

symptom relief. This is why the 

American Lung Association, with 

support from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, 

is encouraging the public to 

recognize their own or a loved one’s 

sleep challenges. 

“The first step to better sleep is 

to share your unresolved symptoms 

with your healthcare provider. 

If you are diagnosed with sleep 

apnea after participating in a sleep 

study, your doctor will work with 

you to manage the condition,” says 

Dr. Atul Malhotra, a board-certified 

pulmonologist, intensivist and 

research chief of Pulmonary, Critical 

Care and Sleep Medicine at UC 

San Diego. 

Dr. Malhotra recommends setting 

up a follow-up appointment 

within three months after you begin 

treatment -- or sooner if problems 

arise, and then on an annual 

basis after that. 

“Unfortunately, some patients 

continue to experience lingering 

symptoms,” says Dr. Malhotra. “It’s 

important to address these concerns 

with your doctor.” 

You’ll know if your treatment is 

working based on how you’re feeling. 

Are you less sleepy during the 

day? Do you have higher energy 

levels? Does your bed partner notice 

less snoring, gasping or sleep 

disruptions? To help your doctor 

understand what you’re experiencing 

at your appointment, it’s important 

to distinguish fatigue, which 

is a lack of energy, from sleepiness, 

which is an inability to stay awake. 

For more information about sleep 

apnea and EDS visit lung.org. 

Everyone deserves the benefits 

of high-quality sleep. If you have 

difficulty getting a good night’s 

rest, be sure to talk to your doctor 

about your symptoms right away. 

YOUR NORTH SHORE REAL ESTATE EXPERT 

The Spring Market is here and inventory is low. 

Call Evelyn for a free market analysis! 

Evelyn Rockas 

Premier Agent 

Evelyn.Rockas@NEMoves.com 

C. 617.256.8500 

Lynnfield Office | 1085 Summer Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940 

EvelynRockasRealEstate.com 

*Based on closed sales volume information from MLS Property Information Network, Inc. in all price ranges as reported on April 26, 2019 for the period of 4/26/18-4/26/19. Source data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Real estate agents affiliated 

with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair 

Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 19FXWN_NE_5/19


Applying for Medicaid long term care? 

Don’t do it alone! 

Not everyone has the funds to privately 

pay for 24/7 care, whether it 

be at home or in a long term care 

nursing home. How the medical 

care for a loved one is going to be 

paid for can send panic through a 

family. 

Most families are not even aware 

of their loved one’s finances, banking 

institutions, life insurance policies, 

investment accounts, stocks, 

bonds and annuities. 

Has a Durable Power of Attorney 

been established? Do they have a 

pre-paid funeral? 

Is there an irrevocable or revocable 

trust? Do they have a reverse 

mortgage on their home? 

What if there is a spouse still living 

at home? 

How do they obtain all of these 

documents, and how is all of this 

handled with a Medicaid application? 

Should they hire an elder law attorney 

to handle this? But attorney 

fees can be in access of $10,000. 

Where do they turn? 

Medicaid is a state-issued medical-assistance 

program, that helps 

pay for healthcare related costs, including 

nursing home care. 

Medicaid is based upon financial 

need with specific criteria that 

must be established for eligibility, 

determined by income, assets, 

residency and household composition, 

with a five-year look-back period. 

There is a long list of specific 

documents needed for a Medicaid 

application, and navigating the 

complicated regulations can be an 

overwhelming burden. 

The Medicaid application process 

can be challenging, confusing and 

frustrating. Fortunately, there are 

Medicaid application professionals 

that have extensive experience 

to guide applicants and their 

families through the process. Companies 

such as Silver Lining Solutions, 

based in Topsfield, have successfully 

processed thousands of 

Medicaid applications. Silver Lining 

Solutions is based upon caring, 

compassionate and personalized 

relationships with the applicants 

and families. The one-time flat fee 

for the full Medicaid application 

process is an allowable spend down 

expenditure. Silver Lining Solutions 

provides full assistance with 

navigating the Medicaid application 

process. 

Darcia Tremblay is the President 

and Owner of Silver Lining Solutions, 

Inc. with more than 12 years 

of experience in processing Medicaid 

applications. Call 978-887-1100 

or visit the website www.silverliningsolutions.com 

Call Us Today 

978-887-1100 

461 Boston Street, Unit B1 Topsfield 

silverliningsolutions.com


Maintaining your independence 

is just a phone call away 

Greater Lynn Senior Services—or 

“GLSS,” as we are known throughout 

the region—is a nonprofit human 

services agency serving people 

age 60 and older, adults living 

with disabilities, and their families 

and caregivers, in Lynn, Lynnfield, 

Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott. 

For more than 40 years, GLSS 

has responded to the changing 

needs of area residents, providing 

a continuum of community health 

and social services to help people 

maintain their independence, safely 

and with dignity. “This is really 

the heart and soul of our mission,” 

says Kathryn C. Burns, GLSS’ 

CEO. “Our services are designed 

to promote independence through 

consumer engagement with the 

overall goal of helping people 

achieve better health and well-being.” 

Burns notes that these days, 

the agency also offers several new 

initiatives that serve a wider geography 

and consumers as young as 

age 3 through its overarching commitment 

to creating stronger, more 

livable communities for all. 

Information and Referral 

If you or someone in your family 

is looking for information about 

living independently, we make it 

easy for you to get what you need. 

All it takes is a phone call. 

“When you call GLSS, you will 

be connected with our Information 

and Referral Department,” says 

Marilyn Long, Director of Community 

Programs. “Our trained staff 

welcome your calls and will answer 

all of your questions about services 

and benefits—they can help you 

find home care, meals, transportation, 

an advocate…whatever you 

need.” 

Help at Home 

Every day in the Greater Lynn 

area, GLSS is at work in the homes 

of more than 4,000 seniors and 

people living with disabilities. 

Why? So they can hold on to something 

of immeasurable value: their 

ability to live independently. 

GLSS’ home care services are designed 

to allow people to “age in 

place” in their own homes. “This is 

really what most people would prefer, 

given the choice,” says GLSS’ 

Director of Consumer Services 

Holly Jarrell-Marcinelli, LICSW. 

“It is also a less costly option than 

nursing home care for most people, 

when that is possible.” In-home 

supports include things like personal 

care, homemaking, companions, 

grocery shopping, laundry, 

home-delivered meals, transportation 

services, and personal emergency 

response systems, to name 

just a few. 

“Our unique case management 

role helps individuals and families 

organize and manage a broad 

range of services to support independent 

living,” Jarrell-Marcinelli 

says. Case managers work with 

consumers and their families to 

develop a personalized care plan to 

ensure the highest level of in-home 

care that always takes into consideration 

an individual’s needs, personal 

preferences, and safety. “We 

offer a variety of programs to meet 

pretty much every need,” Jarrell- 

Marcinelli notes. 

Meals and Nutrition 

Every weekday, Monday through 

Friday, GLSS’ Meals on Wheels 

drivers visit as many as 800 homebound 

seniors to deliver a hot, 

nutritious meal. GLSS meals are 

well-balanced nutritionally, can be 

tailored to meet individual needs, 

and are free, with a voluntary donation 

(no one is ever denied a 

meal if they are unable to donate). 

Active seniors can also enjoy a hot 

lunch at local senior centers. “Most 

senior centers have re-opened and 

are offering meals again, but you 

should contact your local Council 

on Aging for details,” Long notes. 

GLSS also offers nutrition counseling 

and advice for people interested 

in making lifestyle changes 

or managing ongoing health conditions 

through diet. 

Health and Well-Being 

Your health and well-being are 

vital components of independent 

living. We offer a variety of programs, 

workshops, and mobility 

counseling options to help you feel 

better, build self-confidence, and 

stay connected with others in the 

community. 

Several new initiatives developed 

during the pandemic also provide 

important connections for people. 

The first is a half-hour entertaining 

TV show that airs on local cable 

stations. “GLSS TV” features 

information on programs and services, 

cooking segments, exercise 

and falls prevention programs, and 

information of interest to local residents. 

The second is a free communications 

tool called Uniper, which 

allows individuals to connect with 

others through their television, 

in addition to enjoying lots of inperson 

programming, peer-led chat 

groups, education and fitness programs, 

videos, and more. 

Counseling and Support 

Getting older or dealing with other 

life challenges isn’t always easy. 

Sometimes it helps to get some 

advice, speak with a professional 

counselor, or talk with others in a 

group setting who are experiencing 

the same feelings you are. 

GLSS offers counseling and support 

for caregivers; people living 

with mental health challenges; 

those age 50 and older throughout 

the North Shore who have experienced 

abuse; people seeking information 

about long-term care and 

other community resources; and 

LGBTQ+ older adults. 

GLSS’ award-winning Mobile 

Mental Health Program offers a 

“wrap-around” service approach, 

providing counseling and connecting 

vulnerable, already isolated elders 

to other services to meet basic 

needs. 

“We work with elders living with 

many mental health challenges, 

including depression, anxiety, substance 

use disorders, and grief 

and loss issues,” reports Meredith 

Anderton, LICSW, one of the program’s 

counselors. “It’s not unusual 

to experience feelings of anxiety, 

isolation, and depression, especially 

in the midst of an ongoing pandemic, 

and it can really help to talk 

with someone about it.” 

Safety and Security 

In a year, GLSS will advocate 

for and help protect over 400 

people—including people living 

independently, those seeking affordable 

housing, and individuals 

transitioning from homelessness. 

We’ll also make hundreds of visits 

to area nursing homes, to assess 

residents’ quality of care. GLSS is 

deeply committed to protecting the 

safety, security, and dignity of older 

adults in our communities. 

If you suspect abuse or neglect 

of a senior resident, you should report 

it to the state’s Elder Abuse 

Hotline, which is available 24 

hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 

1-800-922-2275. 

Maintaining Your Independence 

is Just a Phone Call Away. 

Call GLSS at 781-599-0110. We’ll 

listen. We’ll help. Or visit www. 

glss.net for more information.


Serving Greater Lynn and beyond... 

An advocate, a hot meal, someone to help at home…and so much more. 

GLSS nurses, case managers, social workers, and counselors are here to help 

older adults and people of all ages living with disabilities 

access the resources they need to live independently. 

Information and Referral 

With one phone call, you can find 

the answers to so many questions. 

Help at Home 

Doing whatever we can to help you 

maintain your independence. 

Meals and Nutrition 

Tasty, nutritious. And we deliver. 

Plus nutrition counseling. 

Health and Well-Being 

Nothing is more important to us 

than helping you stay healthy and 

engaged in your own unique way. 

Counseling and Support 

We’ll lend an ear and provide 

support in a safe, secure, and 

judgment-free setting. 

Clinical and Protective Services 

Elder abuse and neglect happen 

all too often. Our advocacy and 

resources help you feel safer. 

GLSS 

Greater Lynn Senior Services 

8 Silsbee Street Lynn, MA 01901 www.glss.net 

Call us today at (781) 599-0110 or email info@glss.net.


Wondering how to protect your assets? 

The Law Office of Julie Low can help 

The Law Office of Julie Low practices 

exclusively in elder law, estate 

planning, probate and estate administration, 

and special-needs planning. 

The firm designs customized, comprehensive 

will-based and trustbased 

estate plans to meet each client’s 

unique needs. Whether your 

goal is to protect assets from future 

long-term care costs, minimize estate 

taxes and administration fees, ensure 

a legacy for your descendants, 

provide for your needs in the event of 

incapacity or protect and provide for 

a family member with special needs, 

the Law Office of Julie Low can design 

an estate plan that meets your 

objectives. 

Attorney Low opened her Beverlybased 

firm because she had a vision 

for the way law should be practiced 

— with a focus on the client instead 

of billable hours. 

She believes in creating an inviting, 

personable atmosphere where clients 

feel comfortable discussing very personal 

subjects. Attorney Low fully 

engages her clients in the design 

process, educating and guiding them 

to make informed decisions. The end 

result is a comprehensive plan clients 

understand, rather than a set of 

documents that have little personal 

meaning. 

The firm charges fixed prices instead 

of traditional hourly rates for 

estate planning. Ms. Low believes clients 

appreciate knowing the cost of 

services up front and the open communication 

such an approach fosters. 

Client meetings are centered 

around important issues — not the 

clock — and are handled with a 

touch of lightheartedness, when appropriate, 

"because contemplating 

disability, incapacity or death is not a 

delightful or pleasant experience for 

most." 

Clients are invited to contact Julie, 

or a team member, with questions, 

without worrying about being billed 

for extra time. 

One of the firm’s specialties is the 

creation of Long-Term Care Plans to 

help clients navigate the complicated 

regulations of Medicaid, Veterans 

Benefits and other government programs. 

Because Julie is knowledgeable in 

planning for both types of Medicaid 

(traditional nursing home and the 

lesser known, but unbelievably beneficial, 

community programs), she reviews 

her clients’ options with an eye 

to all programs to ensure each plan 

provides later flexibility. 

Julie is a member of WealthCounsel, 

ElderCounsel, The National 

Academy of Elder Law Attorneys 

(NAELA), and The Academy of 

Special Needs Planners. 

She graduated cum laude from 

Western New England University 

School of Law in 2007. 

In her free time, Julie volunteers 

with North Shore Elder Services’ 

Money Management Program, assisting 

local seniors with paying bills 

and budgeting, and on Northeast 

ARC’s Human Rights Committee. 

The Law Office of Julie Low provides 

complimentary workshops on 

the basics of estate planning and 

long term care. 

Call the Law Office of Julie Low today 

to sign up for the next workshop 

or register on their website. 

Elder Law 

Probate & 

Estate Administration 

For peace of mind, for those you love, estate planning! 

Law Office of 

Estate Planning 

Special Needs Planning 

Alzheimer’s Planning 

Medicaid Planning & 

Applications 

Receive a half-price, one-hour consultation after attending 

one of our free, virtual estate planning workshops. 

Estate Planning Workshops and NEW Medicaid Workshops 

Tuesday 

April 26 

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Tuesday 

Medicaid May 3 

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday 

May 14 

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Tuesday 

May 24 

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Saturday 

Medicaid June 4 

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Saturday 

June 11 

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Registration Space limited is required. • Registration Call 978-922-8800 is required. Call or today! register 978-922-8800 

on our website. 

4 Federal St., Beverly • www.lawofficeofjulielow.com


STATEPOINT 

Ten doctor-recommended ways 

to improve your overall health 

While investing in your health 

and wellness can sound like an 

overwhelming goal, doctors say 

that there are easy, tangible steps 

you can take to feel your best and 

better protect your health. 

“It is always the right time to 

consider your personal goals, and 

how you can make positive health 

choices,” says American Medical 

Association (AMA) president, 

Gerald E. Harmon, M.D. “Small 

lifestyle changes today can have 

a lasting effect in improving your 

health.” 

Not sure where to start? Consider 

these tips from the AMA: 

1. Make sure your family is upto-date 

on their vaccines, including 

the annual influenza vaccine 

for everyone age six months or 

older and the COVID-19 vaccine 

for everyone age five and older. 

Anyone with questions about the 

COVID-19 vaccines should speak 

with their physician and review 

trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org. 

2. Learn your risk for type 2 

diabetes by taking a simple online 

2-minute self-screening test 

at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Steps 

you take now can help prevent or 

delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. 

3. Be more physically active. 

Adults should do at least 150 minutes 

a week of moderate-intensity 

activity, or 75 minutes a week of 

vigorous-intensity activity. 

4. Know your blood pressure 

numbers. Take the time to visit 

ManageYourBP.org to better understand 

your numbers and take 

necessary steps to get high blood 

pressure — also known as hypertension 

— under control. Doing so 

will reduce your risk of heart attack 

or stroke. 

5. Reduce your intake of processed 

foods, especially those with 

added sodium and sugar. Also reduce 

your consumption of sugarsweetened 

beverages and drink 

more water instead. 

6. If your health care professional 

determines that you need antibiotics, 

take them exactly as prescribed. 

Antibiotic resistance is a 

serious public health problem and 

antibiotics will not make you feel 

better if you have a virus, such as 

a cold or flu. 

7. If consuming alcohol, do so in 

moderation as defined by the U.S. 

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 

— up to one drink per day for women 

and two drinks per day for men, 

and only by adults of legal drinking 

age. 

8. Talk with your doctor about 

tobacco and nicotine use and quit. 

Declare your home and car smokefree 

to eliminate exposure to secondhand 

smoke. 

9. If you are taking prescription 

opioids, follow your doctor’s 

instructions, store them safely to 

prevent diversion or misuse, and 

properly dispose of any leftover 


medication. 

10. Manage stress. A good diet 

and daily exercise are key ingredients 

to maintaining and improving 

your mental health, but don’t hesitate 

to ask for help from a friend or 

mental health professional when 

you need it. 

More health resources and tips 

can be found my visiting ama-assn. 

org. 

For a happy, healthy future, consider 

making these 10 doctor-recommended 

tips for improved wellness.


What doctors want you to know to 

protect yourself from Omicron 

STATEPOINT 

Omicron is between 1.5 to 3 times 

more transmissible than the Delta variant 

of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes 

COVID-19. Additionally, people who 

manifest symptoms are doing so more 

quickly than with previous strains — 

sometimes just two to three days after 

exposure. And recent evidence shows 

daily Omicron deaths in the United 

States have exceeded those from the 

Delta variant. Amid these troubling 

facts, there is pervasive confusion about 

what steps individuals should be taking 

right now to protect themselves. 

“Although we have effective tools — 

particularly vaccines — to limit the 

spread of the virus and severity of CO- 

VID-19, the latest surge of cases fueled 

by the Omicron variant has created 

new challenges and raises important 

questions about masks, testing and 

isolation guidance,” says Gerald E. Harmon, 

M.D., president of the American 

Medical Association (AMA). 

With easily transmissible Omicron 

the now dominant variant, here’s what 

you need to know to keep yourself safe, 

according to the AMA: 

• Get vaccinated: Although breakthrough 

infections have increased with 

Omicron, COVID-19 vaccines remain 

extraordinarily effective at preventing 

severe illness, hospitalization and 

death. All those who are eligible for the 

vaccine and booster should get them. 

Learn more at GetVaccineAnswers.org. 

• Wear a higher-quality mask: The 

CDC says that while the best mask is 

the mask you’re going to wear consistently, 

well-fitted respirators, such as 

KN95s and N95s, provide the highest 

level of protection. N95s are no longer 

in short supply, and the federal government 

recently announced that it is 

sending 400 million N95 respirators 

to pharmacies and community health 

centers across the country, where you 

can get them free of charge. In lieu of 

respirators, surgical masks and double 

masking also offer additional protection 

over a cloth mask. 

• Testing is critical: Visit ama-assn. 

org/delivering-care for a helpful guide 

from the AMA on which test is right for 

you. You should consider getting tested 

if you have symptoms or if you have 

had a known close exposure to someone 

with COVID-19, and maybe before 

gathering indoors with people outside 

of your household. If you test positive, 

the AMA suggests testing negative before 

ending any isolation period. An antigen 

test is the best tool to determine 

whether someone is still infectious. And 

even if the repeat test is negative when 

ending isolation, patients are advised to 

wear medical grade masks for at least 

five days after ending isolation. You can 

receive four free, at-home COVID tests 

by signing up here: special.usps.com/ 

testkits. 

“We continue to urge those with questions 

about COVID-19 vaccines to talk 

to their physician. Vaccinating as many 

people as possible and taking the preventive 

health measures we know work 

are the only ways to slow the spread 

and move us closer to the end of this 

pandemic,” says Dr. Harmon. 

HANSON ESTATE & ELDER LAW 

PLANNING CENTER 

TELEPHONE: 978-276-9030 

PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES WITH PROPER PLANNING, BECAUSE 

DOING NOTHING MAY BE THE MOST COSTLY THING YOU EVER DO. 

ESTATE PLANNING: 

• Wills & Trusts 

• Power of Attorney 

• Healthcare Proxy 

• Homestead Protection 

• Real Estate Protection 

• Irrevocable Life Trusts 

• Pre & Post Divorce 

Estate Planning 

• Life Insurance Trusts 

• Tax Planning 

• IRS/DOR Tax Resolutions 

REAL ESTATE: 

• Purchase & Sales Agreements 

• Real Estate Closings 

• Homestead Declarations 

• Landlord/Tenant 

BANKRUPTCY: 

• Chapter 7 

• Debt Negotiations 

LONG TERM CARE PLANNING: 

• Nursing Home and Asset Protection 

• Mass Health Planning 

• Medicaid Application 

• Conservatorships & Guardianships 

• Special Needs Trusts 

ADOPTION • GUARDIANSHIP 

www.HansonLegal.com • E-mail:LHanson@HansonLegal.com • Facsimile: 978-276-9830 

Park Place East, 348 Park Street, Suite 103, North Reading, MA 01864


Starting a gym routine? 

Why you need to protect your feet 

STATEPOINT 

Starting a new fitness routine? Protecting 

your feet is critical. 

“‘No pain, no gain’ may be a motto 

for most workouts, but ‘too much, 

too soon’ can lead to foot and ankle 

injuries, which can sabotage fitness 

goals,” says Jeffrey Loveland, DPM, 

FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon 

and Fellow Member of the American 

College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 

(ACFAS). 

As you follow through on your goals, 

here’s how to identify and treat common 

exercise-related foot problems, 

according to foot and ankle surgeons. 

• Playing through an ankle sprain 

can cause further damage to tendons, 

which may take much longer to heal 

or possibly require surgery. What’s 

more, you may be overlooking a more 

serious injury. “Seek treatment for 

potentially-sprained ankles right 

away,” says Dr. Loveland. “Untreated 

or repeated ankle sprains may lead 

to chronic ankle instability, a condition 

that causes persistent pain and 

a ‘giving way’ of the ankle.” 

• A stress fracture may feel like 

an ankle sprain initially, but you’ll 

also notice swelling without bruising, 

and pain during normal activities or 

when touching the area. If you experience 

these symptoms, have your 

foot and ankle evaluated. 

• Dr. Loveland explains it’s best to 

seek treatment for pain or swelling 

around your Achilles tendon postworkout. 

Untreated Achilles tendonitis 

may worsen over time, leading to 

stiffness and fatigue in your injured 

leg, or even a ruptured tendon, which 

would require surgery and several 

months’ rehabilitation. 

• If heel pain lasts more than onetwo 

days or worsens when you stand 

after sitting for extended periods of 

time, you may have plantar fasciitis, 

a common overuse injury resulting 

from inflammation of the tissue 

extending from your heel to toes. If 

caught early, your foot and ankle surgeon 

can recommend at-home conditioning. 

In later stages, the problem 

is harder to treat and takes longer to 

resolve. 

An ounce of prevention is worth 

a pound of cure, according to foot 

and ankle surgeons, who offer these 

healthy tips: 

• Start gradually. Increase the 

length and intensity of workouts 

gradually to avoid overuse injuries. 

Stretch before and afterward. 

• Dress right. Dr. Loveland explains 

shoes that don’t provide arch support 

or heel cushioning can cause plantar 

fasciitis, and shoes that are too small 


can cause a neuroma (a thickening of 

the nerve tissue), which may require 

injections, medication or physical 

therapy. Be sure to also stick to cotton 

or nonslip socks to avoid blisters. 

• Use good technique. Good form 

prevents injuries to tendons and ligaments. 

“Incorrect posture or misuse 

of equipment can decrease stabilization 

in the foot and ankle, leading to 

joint sprains and muscle strains,” Dr. 

Loveland says. 

• Avoid bacteria. The gym is a 

breeding ground for fungus, viruses 

and bacteria, including increasingly 

common, drug-resistant strains like 

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus 

aureus). “Water shoes provide 

a barrier between your feet and 

locker room floors as well as pool 

decks. Cover cuts, cracks and ingrown 

toenails, since these areas can 

act as entry points for bacteria. If you 

have a red or swollen cut that isn’t 

healing, have it examined,” Dr. Loveland 

says. 

Above all, seek the expertise of a 

foot and ankle surgeon at signs of injury 

or pain. To find one near you, use 

the “find a physician” search tool at 

FootHealthFacts.org. 

Stay on track to crush your fitness 

goals by keeping your feet in tip-top 

shape.


Brooksby Village 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR 

A VIBRANT RETIREMENT 

Brooksby Village is the North Shore’s 

premier senior living community. 

• Enjoy a stylish apartment home free from 

maintenance and repairs. 

• Experience resort-style amenities just 

steps from your door. 

• Discover peace of mind with additional 

levels of on-site care. 

Get your FREE brochure! 

Call 1-800-614-6998 or visit 

BrooksbyVillage.com. 

Teaching children how to 

protect birds in your backyard 

STATEPOINT 

Part of being a good environmental 

steward is passing on this wisdom to 

the next generation. Here are three 

hands-on ways parents and grandparents 

can teach children to protect the 

birds in their very own backyard. 

Since 1996, Partners In Rehab, PT 

has offered a wide range of Physical 

Therapy treatments and specialized 

programs, tailored to meet your individual 

needs. Our Physical Therapists 

will examine each individual 

and create a treatment plan using 

exercises and techniques that promote 

mobility, reduce pain and improve 

function. We specialize in the 

treatment of orthopedic disorders, 

Build a Bird Feeder 

Build bird feeders using natural or 

recycled materials to teach two earthfriendly 

lessons in one: the importance 

of reducing waste and the need to take 

care of local wildlife. Bird feeders can 

be crafted from milk cartons, tin cans, 

mason jars or even natural materials 

like pinecones. As you decorate your 

bird feeders, talk to your kids about 

how birds are not just beautiful, but 

also a vital part of the ecosystem and 

how you are offering these creatures 

a chance to rest and refuel. Fill your 

finished products with birdseed and 

choose a safe spot to hang them. Experts 

recommend bird feeders be positioned 

either closer than three feet 

or farther than 30 feet from windows. 

Protect Flight 

Birds in flight are prone to strike windows. 

Fortunately, there’s an easy home 

project you and your children can complete 

together that will help prevent 

this from happening. Applying decals 

that reflect ultraviolet sunlight to your 

home’s windows, particularly windows 

that are highly reflective of open sky, 

has been proven to substantially reduce 

the likelihood of bird strikes. Those from 

WindowAlert feature patterns that 

give the appearance of slightly frosted 

translucent glass, but glow like a stoplight 

for birds. Kids can help select from 

fun decal designs like snowflakes, butterflies 

and maple leaves. The brand 

also makes a high-tech UV liquid that 

offers even greater protection when 

applied between decals. To learn more, 

visit WindowAlert.com. 

Partners In Rehab, PT 

including our expertise in the New 

England Baptist Hospital - Spine 

Center “Back Boot Camp” program. 

Our goal is to make Physical Therapy 

as convenient and accessible as 

possible, to ensure our patients the 

best recovery. Contact one of our 4 

locations in Saugus, Georgetown, 

Methuen, and Wilmington to help 

you HEAL BETTER, MOVE BET- 

TER, & FEEL BETTER. 

North Shore 

BrooksbyVillage.com 

134094


How to make grocery shopping a breeze 

STATEPOINT 

You want to fill your pantry and 

fridge with foods and beverages you 

know your family will love. However, 

amid the continued uncertainty affecting 

supply chains and retailers, 

that’s a task that’s often easier said 

than done for shoppers like you. 

One smart way to save time and 

money while stocking your virtual 

or physical cart is by sticking with 

items that have already been approved 

by other households. Product 

of the Year USA, the largest consumer-voted 

award for product innovation, 

is a go-to resource for this purpose. 

Backed by a national survey 

of 40,000 American shoppers conducted 

by Kantar, a global leader in 

consumer research, winners across a 

range of product categories are recognized 

for outstanding innovation 

with a red seal that you can easily 

spot while doing your shopping. 

“The distinctive seal of approval 

from Product of the Year provides 

shoppers with a guide they can trust 

and offers peace of mind when making 

the most important purchasing 

decisions – including what you feed 

your family,” says Mike Nolan, Global 

CEO, Product of the Year Management. 

“Whether shopping online or 

in-store, turning to this guide will 

help you cut through the clutter, 

saving both time and money.” 

To simplify your next trip to the 

supermarket, check out the 20 food 

and beverage winners of the 2022 

Product of the Year: 

• Alcoholic Beverage | ALDI-exclusive 

Peaks and Tides Pinot 

Noir – ALDI 

• Bakery | ALDI-exclusive 

L'oven Fresh Garlic Knots – 

ALDI 

• Breakfast | ALDI-exclusive 

Specially Selected Brioche or 

French Toast Bagels – ALDI 

• Candy Bar | Kinder Bueno 

Mini – Ferrero USA 

• Cheese | ALDI-exclusive 

Emporium Selection Cracker 

Cuts: Extra Sharp White 

Cheddar, Gouda, Extra Sharp 

Yellow Cheddar – ALDI 

• Coffee & Tea | Joyba Bubble 

Tea – Del Monte Foods, Inc. 

• Convenience Meal | ALDIexclusive 

Park Street Deli Hawaiian 

or Coconut Thai Chicken 

– ALDI 

• Dips & Condiments | ALDIexclusive 

Park Street Deli 

Mexicali and Street Corn Dip 

– ALDI 

• Fruit Snack | Del Monte Fruit 

Cups with Infusions – Del 

Monte Foods, Inc. 

• Functional Beverage | CVS 

Health Adult Electrolyte Cherry 

Pomegranate – CVS Health 

• Hot & Spicy Snack | Takis 

Blue Heat – Barcel USA 

• Low Carb Bread | Aunt Millie's 

Bakeries Live Carb Smart 

– Aunt Millie’s Bakeries 

• Meatless | Quorn Meatless 

Homestyle & Kickin’ ChiQin 

Cutlets – Quorn Foods 

• Outdoor Cooking | Kingsford 

Hardwood Pellets – The Clorox 

Company 

• Plant-Based Food | Plant- 

Based Cheeze Shreds – Daiya 

• RTD Cocktail | Captain Morgan 

Captain’s Cocktails – Diageo 

• Salty Snack | ALDI-exclusive 

Clancy’s Pub Style Pretzels – 

ALDI 

• Soft Drink | Pepsi Mango – 

PepsiCo 

• Spirits | Tanqueray Sevilla 

Orange – Diageo 

• Sugar Confections | NERDS 

Gummy Clusters – Ferrara 

For more information about the 

2022 Product of the Year winners, 

visit productoftheyearusa.com. 

Trouble getting out to see your doctor? 

Let the HomeMD team come to you. 

When patients 65 or older have difficulty leaving 

their homes due to frailty, memory loss, or complex 

medical conditions, HomeMD ensures they get the 

primary care services they need – regularly, safely, 

and conveniently. 

The HomeMD team follows all COVID- 19 safety 

precautions. We are here to care for you in the 

comfort and security of your own home. 

* Photo taken before COVID-19 precautions 

Caring for you where you live! 

Primary Care at Home 

One call does it all: 888-281-0011


“I should 

have done 

this sooner.” 

Think a senior-living community is something 

you’ll only consider when you need 

assistance or care? Edgewood residents will 

tell you: The best time to move in is while 

you’re young and healthy enough to enjoy 

everything the community has to offer. 

Independent living at Edgewood provides 

the best of all worlds. Maintenance-free 

living in a home you can customize. New 

friends and a diverse mix of interesting 

people who are leading vibrant, active 

lives. Social, recreational and wellness 

opportunities. Lifelong learning classes. 

And the priceless peace of mind that 

comes with LifeCare — including financial 

predictability and guaranteed access to 

award-winning health care on our campus. 

Want to learn more? 

Use the QR Code below to read our blog 

and learn why so many residents say, 

“I should have done this sooner.” 

Or, call 978-965-3715 

to schedule a personal tour. 

575 Osgood Street | North Andover, MA 01845 

978-965-3715 | EdgewoodRC.com 

Edgewood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.


STATEPOINT 

If your family is like most, you have 

“junk” in your basement, garage or attic, 

such as sports cards, memorabilia 

and toys. Before you toss them out during 

spring cleaning, consider that the 

prices of sports cards, games and other 

ephemera are skyrocketing. 

How can you determine if your stuff 

is valuable and, if it is, how can you sell 

it? 

A widely accepted rule for sports 

cards, memorabilia and toys is that 

older items are worth more. However, 

these days even more recent items are 

also commanding high prices. 

“Vintage sports cards from the early 

periods of a sport are almost always 

highly collectible, especially of Hall of 

Famers,” says Al Crisafulli, Auction 

Director at Love of the Game Auctions, 

an internet sports and memorabilia 

auction that helps families sell collectibles. 

“But don’t assume sports cards or 

other memorabilia have to be old to be 

valuable. Modern cards of such stars 

Is your 'junk' worth a fortune? 


as Tom Brady, Mike Trout, LeBron 

James, Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter 

and others can sell for lots of money.“ 

He is offering tips to help determine 

if your belongings are valuable: 

Older Sports Cards 

Cards from the 1960s and earlier 

are collectible, and those from before 

the 1940s can be extremely valuable. 

Big-name Hall of Famers like Babe 

Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Honus 

Wagner, Mickey Mantle and others 

bring high prices. 

With old cards from the 1880s and 

early 1900s, look for tobacco and candy 

brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, 

Sweet Caporal or American Caramel. 

Really old Sports memorabilia from 

the 19th and early 20th Century, such 

as photographs, postcards, bats, gloves 

and balls are also collectible. 

When opting to sell sports items, consider 

a specialty auction, such as Love 

of the Game, which has the expertise 

to professionally research sports items 

and maintains lists of bidders specializing 

in this area, to get top dollar. 

More information is available at loveofthegameauctions.com. 

Modern Cards 

Prices on recent baseball, basketball 

and football cards have risen 

rapidly. The three keys are condition, 

star power and cards from early in 

player careers. 

Do you have major current stars, like 

Mike Trout, Patrick Mahomes, Tom 

Brady and LeBron James? Or do you 

have greats from the recent past, like 

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic 

Johnson, Derek Jeter or Joe Montana? 

Check if your cards are denoted as 

Rookie, Prospect, Draft Pick or other 

indicators they’re from a player’s first 

season. And condition is king, as cards 

that look pack fresh with sharp corners 

and a well-centered image command 

highest prices. Additionally, unopened 

packs and boxes from almost any year 

can be valuable. 

Memorabilia 

Do you have old advertising posters 

depicting sports stars or famous entertainment 

personalities together with 

food, tobacco or sporting goods brands. 

Many original signs, store displays 

and promotional items are collectible, 

especially those dating from the early 

1900s into the 1960s. But low-quality 

reproductions aren’t. Look for memorabilia 

spotlighting sports heroes, superheroes, 

early Walt Disney characters 

and Star Wars subjects. 

So, while you’re spring cleaning that 

attic, basement or garage, don’t rush to 

the garbage. Before throwing out old 

“junk,” determine if it’s valuable! 

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Traditional Burial & Cremation Final Arrangement Planning Programs 

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Beat burnout with these playful tips 

STATEPOINT 

For many, the additional isolation 

and never-ending uncertainty of the 

past couple years has led to mental 

fatigue and burnout. Experts say that 

no matter your age, turning to play instead 

of social media can help you feel 

more like yourself again. 

“While it’s tempting to constantly 

reach for our devices to check social 

media during times of stress and loneliness, 

or even just when there’s down 

time, it’s a habit that a number of studies 

unfortunately link to anxiety and 

depression,” says Anna Yudina, senior 

director of marketing initiatives at The 

Toy Association, which spearheads The 

Genius of Play. “Research shows that 

play, on the other hand, reduces stress, 

boosts life satisfaction and empowers 

adults and kids alike to be creative 

thinkers.” 

To combat burnout and mental fatigue, 

The Genius of Play is offering 

the following tips for reducing screen 

time and embracing playful hobbies 

instead: 

• Make time for play: The habitforming 

properties of social media are 

well-documented. However, you can 

commit to less screen time and more 

play time. In the case of families, parents 

can lead the way by example. 

Consider instituting policies that help 

strike a healthy balance. For example, 

make the dinner table a device-free 

zone, schedule device-free game nights 

and set time limits. Still struggling to 

set healthy limits for yourself or your 

children? Apps, such as Moment and 

Social Fever, are designed to help. 

• Bundle up: Don’t let cold weather 

discourage you from going outdoors. 

Fresh air is good for the mind, body 

and soul, and once you get moving, 

you’ll warm up in no time. From nature 

hikes, skiing and other outdoor 

adventures to backyard activities and 

obstacle courses, there are many ways 

for people of all ages to be playful outside. 

For kids, you can also try classic 

games like Kick the Can, and Capture 

the Flag. Social distancing? Try 

Shadow Tag. Played the same way as 

a traditional game of tag, players tag 

each other with their shadows instead 

of their hands. 

• Play indoors: Feeling cooped up? 

Promote screen-free playtime at home 

with classic board games and card 

games, STEAM projects, and with toys 

that build real-world skills and challenge 

participants to solve problems 

imaginatively. For example, construction 

toys offer something for everyone, 

whether they prefer following directions 

or building freely. There’s no 

right or wrong way to do it. 

• Make art: From painting a still life 

to completing a project that’s a bit sillier, 

making art builds fine motor skills 

and problem-solving skills, enhances 

communication and self-expression, 

and promotes self-esteem and the motivation 

to succeed. Need some inspiration? 

Marshmallow Sculptures is a 

perfect project for kids ages 5 and up. 

Let your little Michelangelo connect 

toothpicks and marshmallows, revealing 

a one-of-a-kind work of art. Best of 

all, you can keep each sculpture, disassemble 

and start again, or even eat it! 

• Take time to relax: Quiet time is 


vital for recharging one’s batteries. 

Build in time for your family to read, 

color, assemble puzzles, practice yoga 

or participate in other stress-relieving 

activities. 

For more tips, advice and the latest 

research from leaders in child development, 

education and play, visit thegeniusofplay.org. 

Through play, you can not only beat 

the blahs and develop important skills, 

you can also help your family form 

healthy digital habits — a win-win for 

everyone.


How to make an impact this global volunteer month 

STATEPOINT 

If you’re like many people right now, 

you’re feeling a particular sense of urgency 

to roll up your sleeves and be a 

force for good. 

“When we face difficult times, as we 

have during the pandemic and now with 

the war in Ukraine, we also see the best 

of humanity and it’s natural for people 

to want to help,” says Natalye Paquin, 

president and CEO of Points of Light, a 

nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization 

that inspires, equips and mobilizes 

millions of people to take action that 

changes the world. “During times of uncertainty, 

one thing we can be certain of 

is that the most powerful force of change 

is one person making a positive difference.” 

That’s why this April, which is Global 

Volunteer Month, Points of Light is leading 

a joint effort with Phillips 66 and 

The UPS Foundation to activate individuals, 

nonprofits and corporate partners 

to recognize individual action and 

inspire more people to volunteer in their 

communities. 

“Throughout the pandemic and in recent 

months, we’ve seen powerful stories 

of everyday citizens rising to the occasion 

to support their local communities 

and those abroad,” says Paquin. 

Getting Inspired 

Volunteers can come from all backgrounds, 

be of all ages and help in countless 

ways. Let these amazing stories 

behind Points of Light’s Daily Point of 

Light Award honorees inspire you to action: 

• 17-year-old Henry Morse of New Orleans 

helps run CultureAid Nola. “We 

are a no barrier, no stigma food distribution 

center that helps feed over 600 

families a week.” Morse arrives at the 

center every Saturday at 5:30 a.m. and 

leads volunteers in packing and handing 

out food to members of his community. “I 

got involved in March 2020. It grew into 

something that I am extremely passionate 

about,” says Morse. 

• After a 30-year Navy career, William 

Hicks now volunteers in the AARP Tax- 

Aide program. In addition to personally 

preparing tax returns for senior and lowincome 

individuals pro bono, he serves 

as training coordinator for the state of 

Maryland, leading efforts to train and 

certify tax preparation volunteers. 

• “A small drop in the ocean can make 

a big difference in the world,” says fourth 

grader Rayansh Boddu, who joined Recycle 

My Battery as a vice president and 

recruited more kids to spread the word. 

He’s also actively working on Smart 

Can, which will use AI technology to sort 

materials needed for recycling in trash. 

He’s placed over 20 battery bins in different 

locations and collected more than 

25,000 batteries for recycling so far. 

Getting Started 

Motivation among Americans is high. 

In a recent Points of Light survey, a 

third of respondents said they plan to 

volunteer more than they did before the 

pandemic. But figuring out where and 

how to make an impact is not always 

straightforward and online resources 

can help. Points of Light Engage is the 

world’s largest digital hub for in-person 

and virtual volunteering and community 

engagement opportunities. There are 

also 177 innovative volunteer-mobilizing 

organizations in 37 countries that are a 

part of the Points of Light Global Network. 

They provide real-time information 

on pressing community needs. You 

can find these by visiting pointsoflight. 

org/gvm. The site also offers tips for safely 

volunteering, along with inspiration 

for alternative means of getting involved 

through Points of Light’s Civic Circle, 

such as using your purchasing power, 

lending your voice to a cause or urging 

your employer to action. 

“We hope you’ll take the time this 

month to look for volunteer opportunities 

and to thank a volunteer in your 

life,” says Paquin. “Every action, no matter 

how small, can have an impact and 

change a life.” 

Every Lifetime has a Story 

We help you share it 

82 Lynn Street, Peabody • 978-531-0472 • ccbfuneral.com


Dishing up kidney-friendly recipes 

STATEPOINT 

If you are living with – or know 

someone who has – a rare kidney disease, 

you know how important it is 

to speak with your healthcare team 

about proper management strategies, 

including diet modifications. This is especially 

important for those living with 

autosomal dominant polycystic kidney 

disease (ADPKD), a rare, genetic disease 

that causes fluid-filled cysts to 

develop on and progressively enlarge 

both kidneys. 

Chef Duane Sunwold knows all too 

well how proper nutrition can be an 

important approach when it comes to 

managing kidney diseases. He was diagnosed 

with a rare disease over two 

decades ago, and after trying different 

treatments for 18 months, he began 

discussing dietary changes to promote 

kidney health with his medical team. 

“Like many newly diagnosed patients, 

I was working closely with my 

healthcare team on strategies that can 

effectively manage my condition,” said 

Sunwold. “As a chef I was particularly 

intrigued by adopting healthy eating 

habits that could positively affect 

my kidney health. While every condition 

and experience is different, I was 

thrilled that this approach helped my 

kidney disease.” 

Kidney disease patients should 

speak with their healthcare team to 

understand the risks of disease progression 

as well as effective management 

strategies, such as what specific 

diet modifications may be appropriate 

for them. However, some general guiding 

factors include limiting sodium, 

eating smaller portions of protein, 

choosing foods that are heart healthy, 

and lowering phosphorus and potassium 

intake. 

Delicious and Healthy Options 

“Kitchen Creations for Kidney 

Health” is an assortment of kidneyfriendly 

meals that are rich in flavor 

and meet several nutritional guidelines, 

including low-sodium options 

and plant-based dishes. If you or a 

loved one are living with a kidney 

disease like ADPKD, visit NephU. 

org/kitchen-creations for a number of 

healthy and delicious recipes to try. 

Recipes range from main dishes to appetizers 

to share, including the below 

crowd favorite: 

White Bean Dip 

6 servings 

Ingredients: 

1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, rinsed 

and drained 

2 cloves roasted garlic 

2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1 

lemon) 

2/3 cup oat milk 

2 tablespoons chopped parsley 

1/4 teaspoon white pepper 

1 teaspoon distilled vinegar 

1 teaspoon onion powder 

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/2 teaspoon chives 

1/2 teaspoon dried dill 

Reminder: Canned and/or frozen 

foods such as beans, vegetables or 

fruit should be void of additional animal 

fats (e.g. lard), sodium, potassium, 

phosphorus, or sugar. 

Directions: 

In a food processor, combine beans, 

roasted garlic, lemon juice, oat milk, 

chopped parsley, white pepper, distilled 

vinegar. 

Mix onion powder, garlic powder, 

chives, and dried dill. Add this blend to 

the food processor. 

Blend ingredients until smooth. 

Pour mixture into a bowl and chill in 

the refrigerator for 30 minutes before 


serving. 

Serve with vegetables sticks like, celery, 

carrots, peppers. 

Disclaimer: Please be advised that 

some of these foods may contain wheat/ 

gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, 

fish, shellfish, soy or other foods that 

may cause allergic reactions in some 

people. Please contact your healthcare 

provider if you are concerned about 

food allergies or other food-related reactions 

such as food sensitivities. 

If you would like to view more kidneyfriendly 

recipes or submit one of your 

own for consideration, go to NephU. 

org/kitchen-creations. And when you 

gather around the table to enjoy these 

dishes, take the time to address important 

conversations about family health 

history. By discussing the risk of inherited 

conditions like ADPKD, which has 

a 50 percent chance of being passed 

down to a child, you’ll help empower 

your loved ones to speak with their 

healthcare team early on before the 

disease progresses. Despite ADPKD 

only impacting an estimated 140,000 

American adults, it is the leading inherited 

cause of kidney disease and 

fourth-leading cause overall of endstage 

renal disease. 

To learn more about ADPKD, including 

tips on how to start the conversation 

with your family members, check 

out ADPKDQuestions.com.


EAST BOSTON CHAPEL 

971 Saratoga St, East Boston, MA02128 

617-569-0990 

www.ruggieromheastboston.com 

NORTH SHORE CHAPEL 

10 Chestnut St, Peabody, MA 01960 

978-595-3949 

www.ruggieromhpeabody.com



Tips to remain independent by preventing falls 

STATEPOINT 

Few things are more important to 

older adults than their independence — 

being able to do what they’d like when 

they’d like. But independence can be 

fleeting. Something unexpected, like a 

fall, can change everything. That’s why 

it’s important for older adults and their 

loved ones to take steps now to reduce 

the risk of a fall from happening. 

Three million older people are treated 

in emergency rooms each year because 

of injuries caused by falls, according to 

the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC). This includes broken 

bones and head injuries that can rob individuals 

of their freedom. Even having 

a fear of falling can restrict individuals 

from enjoying their life to the fullest. 

Thankfully, many falls can be prevented 

with a little forethought and 

advance planning, according to Dr. J.B. 

Sobel, chief medical officer for Medicare, 

with Cigna, one of the nation’s largest 

insurers, which serves hundreds of 

thousands of older adults through its 

Medicare plans. Dr. Sobel recommends 

older adults take the following precautions 

to prevent falls and increase their 

peace of mind. 

Get an annual eye exam. More than 

12 million Americans aged 40 years and 

older experience vision impairment, 

putting them at greater risk of falling. 

It’s important for them to get an annual 

eye exam and make sure that they 

wear their glasses as instructed. Many 

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, such 

as those offered through Cigna, provide 

some vision coverage at no extra cost. 

Review medications. People tend to 

take more medications as they age. 

Some of these medications, or a combination 

of medications, can cause dizziness 

or confusion, resulting in falls. 

Seniors should talk to their doctor or 

pharmacist about the medicines they 

are taking, including over-the-counter 

medications, regarding any interactions 

or unwanted side effects. 

Do strength and balance exercises. 

Regular exercise strengthens muscles 

and improves balance and flexibility, 

helping reduce the chance of falls. Many 

MA plans include a fitness benefit at 

no extra cost. The benefit may include 

kits, bands and videos that can be used 

at home to help limit exposure to CO- 

VID-19, while achieving the benefits of 

exercise. Patients should always talk to 

their doctor about what exercises are 

right for them. 

Limit alcohol consumption. Even a 

small amount of alcohol can affect a 

person’s balance and reflexes, leading 

to a fall. According to the National Institute 

on Aging, alcohol is a factor in 

60 percent of falls in older Americans. 

For those individuals who may need it, 

Medicare covers alcohol abuse screening, 

counseling and treatment. Please 

be sure to discuss these types of issues 

with your doctor. 

Ensure a safe home. Seniors can benefit 

from having grab bars installed 

inside and outside the bathtub tub or 

shower and next to the toilet, as well as 

having railings installed on both sides of 

stairs. Also, potential tripping hazards, 

such as floor mats, area rugs or extension 

cords, should be removed or taped 

down, both inside and outside the home. 

Be careful with face masks. Wearing a 

face mask is a reality of the times, even 

after a COVID-19 vaccination, but face 

masks can restrict peripheral vision. 

When wearing a face mask, make sure 

it is snug covering both your nose and 

mouth, and take slow and measured 

steps. Those who wear glasses should 

wash the lenses with soap and water (if 

permitted by the manufacturer), shake 

off the excess liquid and allow them to 

air dry. This can help provide a fog barrier. 

“Today, many older adults take good 

care of themselves and feel younger 

than they are,” Sobel said. “They are 

rightfully proud and don’t want to make 

concessions for their age. But a fall can 

happen to the best of us. So, it’s better to 

be safe than sorry.” 

The information contained in this article 

is not intended to be a substitute for 

professional medical advice, diagnosis 

or treatment. Always seek the advice of 

your physician or other qualified health 

care provider with any questions you 

may have regarding a medical condition 

or treatment and before undertaking a 

new health care regimen.


About the Program: 

This innovative program 

provides caregivers with a 

monthly payment for taking care 

of a disabled adult. Caregivers 

are special, dedicated people 

who may take care of a family 

member or welcome a new friend 

into their own home. 

Caregivers are reimbursed up 

to $1,500 monthly, tax-free, for 

personal care services. Each and 

every caregiver is supported by 

AFCNS’ professional staff that 

helps train the individual 

regarding the personal care 

needs of their clients. AFCNS 

carefully and selectively matches 

clients with caregivers to ensure 

compatibility. 

Adult Foster Care of the North 

Shore provides the following 

financial and emotional 

support: 

Financial Support: Through 

MassHealth, a monthly, tax-free 

stipend is given to the caregiver. 

Health & Social Support: 

Clients and caregivers are 

assigned a nurse and care 

manager who visit the homes 

regularly. Staff members can 

answer questions about health 

issues and serve as a resource for 

medical training, education and 

needed interventions. On call 

support is available 24 hours a 

day, 7 days a week. 

General Resource Support: 

Seasoned nurses and care 

managers can identify vital 

resources including: 

• Adult day health programs 

• Specialized work and 

community support programs 

• Mental health counseling 

• Guardianship and health care 

proxy information 

• Transportation services 

AFCNS is a CARF 

International approved service 

provider, having demonstrated 

that it meets international 

standards for quality and 

is committed to pursuing 

excellence. 

Adult Foster Care of the North Shore provides 

financial and emotional solutions to families 

Adult Foster Care of the 

North Shore (AFCNS) is a 

one-of-a-kind organization. 

For 21 years it has been 

providing financial and 

emotional solutions to families 

in need of care for a disabled 

or chronically ill loved one 

(client). Many AFCNS clients 

are already living with a 

parent, child or other family 

member who qualifies as a 

caregiver. Others are placed in 

“I love Adult Foster Care because 

of the staff and the benefits that 

are made available to us. The 

monetary benefits are great 

and assist with monthly 

expenses.” 

Kathy, Caregiver 

to Jackie 

homes with compassionate and 

diligent caregivers. 

Founded in 2001 by Cynthia 

Bjorlie, MD, AFCNS has 

grown to a staff of 30 and now 

serves over 350 clients. The 

difference between AFCNS 

and other similar companies 

is that, even though they share 

the same mission, the staff 

at Adult Foster Care of the 

North Shore actually lives the 

mission. AFCNS provides 

compassionate and flexible 

support for clients and their 

caregiver families. 

If you are interested in 

becoming a paid caregiver for 

a disabled family member or 

qualified disabled adult, visit 

AdultFosterCareNS.com 

or call today at 978-281-2612. 

978-281-2612 

AdultFosterCareNS.com 

Celebrating 21 Years


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Our favorite saying is “You don’t 

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When you are interviewing real 

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THINKING ABOUT 

DOWNSIZING THIS SPRING? 

WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED 

781.580.9357 

75 

Homes 

Sold 

Sales 

Sold Over 

$58M Volume 112% Asking 

Marjorie Youngren 

2021 Top Agents 

MarjorieSells.Com | Marjorie.Youngren@Raveis.com|1 Post Office Square, Lynnfield

Senior Living Spring 2022

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