The Senior Scene

Bartell Drugs is spotlighting American Heart Month in February with a special promotion for heart-health screenings at its 63 stores in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

With a $25 purchase or more between Feb.1 and Feb. 7 at any Bartell Drugs location, customers will receive a voucher for a complimentary cholesterol screening during the month of February (a $60 value). To redeem the voucher, customers can make a screening appointment with a Bartell’s pharmacist or online at bartelldrugs.com. For full cholesterol panel test, fasting for at least eight hours of no food or drink (other than water) is required.

High cholesterol is a major controllable risk factor for coronary heart diseased.

Founded in Seattle in 1890, Bartell Drugs is the nation’s oldest family-owned drugstore chain.

From adding an new accent to a room, to adding a new room to you your home, the Tacoma Home and

Garden Show will offer ideas, inspiration and professional resources Jan. 22-25 at the Tacoma Dome.
HGTV personality and designer Rachel Kate, the popular Vintage Market, a major multi-kitchen showcase, the Plant Market and sale, and “how-to” seminars headline the big event, sponsored by the Western Washington Toyota Dealers. Sharing their know-how and expertise, top Northwest garden authorities Ciscoe Morris, Marianne Binetti, Marty Wingate, Sue Goetz and many more will be on hand in multiple seminars
Kate, “HGTV’s Design Star” finalist and recurring guest on “Rehab Addict,” appears at the show on Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. and Jan. 24 at noon to preview interior design trends for 2015.
The latest trends for kitchens are featured in three showcase kitchen concepts by the Puget Sound Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association showcasing “Traditional Design” and “Transitional Design”—a classic style with a contemporary twist. Sponsored by Tri-State Appliances, the displays spotlight the latest generation of appliances, cabinetry and labor-saving features. Adding to the fun, local chefs will be “at work” with daily cooking demonstrations in the state-of-the-art “Contemporary Design” cooking island.
Vintage Market returns as repurposed and “shabby-chic” items for the garden and home are spotlighted by over a dozen local vendors. From farmhouse collectibles and classic cowboy goods, to architectural salvage, repurposed lighting and furniture pieces, all of these and more can be found at The Vintage Market.
Admission to the show is $12 for adults and free to children 16 and under. Show hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first three days and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 25.

The 32nd annual Tacoma RV Show, featuring Northwest RV dealers and their latest models of motor homes, fifth-wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers, will roll out Jan. 15-18 at the Tacoma Dome.
Boeing Employees Credit Union presents the event and will be offering special financing rates to BECU members from the opening day of the show through Feb. 1. Showgoers will have the opportunity to join BECU on-site to take advantage of special financing rates.
The show spotlights the newest models for 2015 in a market that “is more targeted than ever,” said show manager Jeff Swenson.
Show hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 15-17 and 11 to 5 Jan. 18. Admission prices are $12 for general admission, $6 with military ID, and free to children 16 and under. Get $2-off discount coupons at http://www.otshows.com/trv/.

Early and frequent discussions of aging issues, such as living arrangements, finances, dating, end-of-life decisions and driving, can save families years of heartache, tension and even legal battles. Yet, research indicates that about two-thirds of American families put off these conversations because they are uncomfortable with the topics or they just don’t know where to start.
Statistics show that 34 percent of adults surveyed are conversation avoiders. That is, they haven’t talked about any important end-of-life issues with their parents or children, or they have talked about just one issue.
To help, the local Home Instead Senior Care offices are sponsoring the “40-70 Rule” program, which includes an Action Plan for Successful Aging and other resources to help ease these conversations between adult children and their parents.
The idea behind the “40-70 Rule” is that by the time adult children are age 40 and their parents are 70, they should have these critical conversations that will impact the parents’ future, said Lois Etienne, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care offices serving Pierce County and the south King County area.
“Unfortunately, it is often not until a crisis happens that families consider these important discussions,” Etienne said. “Although the prospect of addressing sensitive topics can often be intimidating, it’s critical for these conversations to happen before it’s too late.”
According to recent research, 70 percent of family conversations about aging issues don’t occur until they are prompted by a health crisis or other emergency, Etienne noted. This can increase the likelihood of family disputes.
Etienne said she hopes earlier conversations can change that for local families.
“Quite often, when it comes to certain topics, there is a noticeable gap between the wishes of the senior parents and their children,” she said. “We want to help families establish plans in advance so that a parent’s expressed wishes are met.”
More information about the “40-70 Rule” program or a copy of the Action Plan for Successful Aging, is available at http://www.homeinstead.com/152 or at 253-943-1603.