Capture the Moment Monday

Dave Berry, Director of the Photography Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing his insightful Photo Tips with you every Monday for Capture the Moment Mondays.

4 DSLR Questions you were afraid to ask--Part 4

1.) What's the difference between evaluative, centerweighted and spotmetering?
All camera meters try to make some part f the frame appear as a midtone---right between very light and very dark. Evaluative metering divides the frame up into segments, compares the reading in each section, and decides on an appropriate pattern for determining exposure. Centerweighted takes into account all the light, but puts a heavy emphasis on the middle of the frame. Spotmetering uses a small percentage of the frame--often less than 5 percent and typically in the center, though some cameras let you link it to the active AF point while evaluative is best for most situations, centerweighted works well for subjects such as group portraits. For the most control, use spotmetering to choose the midtone.

2.) Why use a handheld lightmeter when I have all those choices in the camera?
Because most handheld meters let you set your exposure based on the light falling on your subject, called "incident" light. They're great when your subject is unusually dark or light which camera meters tend to over or underexpose. They also help get consistent exposures in scenes with a wide range of tones. For an incident reading, hold the meter at the point on your subject where exposure is most critical, such as the face, and point it at the camera position. Many handheld meters can be set to read reflected light ad flash intensity, too.

3.) How do I tell how far my flash will reach?
By the Guide Number, assigned to almost all built in and shoe mount flashes and listed in feet, meters, or both in the back of you camera or flash manual. The GN tells you how far your flash will carry at a given aperture or what aperture to set for a given distance. Just divide the GN by either distance or f-number. For example, if a flash has a GN of 80 at ISO of 100, it can reach up to 20 feet with a lens set to f/4. If you want to shoot at 40 feet at the same ISO, you'd have to open your lens to f/2.

4.) My flash has TTL and Auto settings. What's the difference?
The TTL setting controls flash output by measuring how much flash reflects back through the lens (TTL) to the camera's built in lightmeter. It's usually the most accurate means of determining flash exposure, and it lets you aim your flash in any direction to bounce the light. It's accurate enough for most scenes and usually will function on many different cameras, while flash units that offer just TTL control work only with compatible cameras.

Dave Berry shares his Photography Tips at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com).

Inspirational Sunday

Bill Witcher, co-founder of Computer School for Seniors will be sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and hope with you each Sunday.

As I shared with you before, I love Max Lucado's books. Max is a minister, author, speaker and radio show host. He lives in San Antonio, Texas.

His writing style is so refreshing and captivating. In his book, When God Whispers Your Name, he says that God whispers our name.

"Find that hard to believe? To imagine that the One who made it all keeps your name in His heart and on His lips?

He knows your name. In fact your name is written on the hand of God (Is. 49:16)." Quite a thought, isn't it? Your name on God's hand. Your name on God's lips.

And Max Lucado has a special way of communicating some very profound thoughts. He calls them Maxims.

• Imagine, your picture is on the front of God's refrigerator.
• God doesn't keep a clock.
• Sometimes the most godly thing we can do is take a day off.
  - Faith in the future begets power in the present.
  - No one is useless to God. No one.
• Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.
• You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you.
  - Succeed in what matters.
  - You'll regret opening your mouth. You'll rarely regret keeping it shut.
• To see sin without grace is despair. To see grace without sin is arrogance. To see them in tandem is conversion.
• Faith is the grit in the soul that puts the dare into dreams.
• Never underestimate a gesture of affection.
• When Jesus went home, he left the front door open.
• And to sum it up:
  - As soon as you can, pay your debts.
  - As long as you can, give the benefit of the doubt.
  - As much as you can, give thanks. He's already given us more than we deserve.

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors (http://www.cs4seniors.com/)

Saturday's with Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

Cain and Abel, Continued

The case didn’t add up. Tom’s cardiac catheterization was unimpressive. This is a medical procedure during which the arteries of the heart are injected with dye, in order to determine whether there are blockages that might cause chest pain. Also, the pain itself didn’t necessarily fit the usual pattern of the pain that comes from the heart. So there I sat with the 68-year-old patient and his daughter, scratching my head. Having lots of experience in this type of situation, the next question was a natural.

“Tell me, Tom, how are things at home?” With a little more questioning and in less than a minute, both father and daughter were crying. It seems that Tom had become estranged from his other daughter. They hadn’t been on speaking terms in a long time, and every time the subject came up, Tom had chest pain, shortness of breath, or some other somatic manifestation. The case was now simple, though of course, not simple to fix. This was not a problem of the heart as much as it was a problem of the soul.

It always amazes me – in the course of my typical day, I see people with all sorts of health problems, job insecurity or financial worries. By far, the source of the most intense anguish for most people is discord within the family. Strife with loved ones seems to cause more stress than any other source. And as we all know, family issues go all the way back to Cain and Abel in the very beginning of the Bible.

An old story in Judaism involves a rabbi and his students. The subject is about repentance and reconciliation. “You must be sure to reconcile with others on the day before you die,” said the rabbi. “But Rabbi,” the students responded, “We can’t know the exact day on which we’re going to die.”

“Precisely,” said the rabbi.

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.
Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at www.copingwithadversity.com. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Fridays

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.

Roots…

I’m in a time warp. Iowa is just gorgeous this time of year. And, yes, the corn is almost knee high. The rolling hills are green and lush and the air is clear and clean. I just spent a week in my home town.

I flew to Des Moines where Rosemary, my girlfriend since 3rd grade, hosted me overnight. The next day we drove 4 hours to Rock Rapids, the county seat of Lyon County – the northwestern-most county in the state. It’s nestled way up in the corner just 17 miles south of Minnesota and 30 miles east of South Dakota.

Here we stayed with Alice Marie and Arnold. Alice has been my friend since we were born within three months of each other, and Arnold since high school. They are truly the king and queen of hospitality and both have lived in Rock Rapids all their lives. We were also joined, happily, by my oldest son, David, his wife Grace, and my granddaughter Stephanie. My sister Mary and her husband Gary drove down from their Wisconsin home and lived in a camper outside the farm house. My dear husband stayed back home and took care of our pets and the house, but still it was really a wonderful family and friends reunion.

It was Heritage Days in Rock Rapids. It’s an annual event the 3rd weekend of June. This year was Mary’s 50th high school class reunion, but many other high school classes of the past reunited to celebrate. It was definitely a “meet and greet” weekend.   

My son is into serious family genealogy. He has studied and posted family history on the Internet for many years. His main purpose for making this trip was to hear stories and see, first hand, the old family homes and haunts in town and the burial plots at the cemetery (he’s big on visiting cemeteries). We spent one whole day shooting pictures around town.

Highlights of the hometown tour were a luncheon at the old Methodist church where his Dad and I were married, the annual Heritage Days parade, and, of course, the cemetery.

David shared information about how to trace ancestry and post family genealogy on the Internet. He recommends starting at http://familysearch.org. This is the well-known Mormon Church site that is thought to have the most complete and accurate records and links for this kind of information. Here you can download software to help you get started. It’s free and called PAF. Personal Ancestral File (PAF) is a free genealogy and family history program. PAF allows you to quickly and easily collect, organize and share your family history and genealogy information. Most of this site is free, however you can buy certain records and databases.

The other site he recommends is http://ancestry.com. This site has a membership fee, but if you’re serious about genealogy, this is a must. There are different levels of membership (monthly, 3-month and annual) and a free trial subscription, but the most it would cost is about $300 per year. But for lower levels of membership it’s much less. He believes this site contains the most legitimate, valuable and well-indexed information available.

Finally, for cemetery information, David suggests http://usgenweb.org. It is a free site and coordinated strictly by volunteers.

A few important hints:

· Patience and perseverance! That’s what it takes to search records and nose around for information. Eventually, no doubt, you’ll leave the Internet and end up poking around in old libraries and courthouses and slogging through cemeteries.

· Be wary if an Internet site asks for money, and be sure to give no personal information unless you are certain that you are on a secure site.

· Other places to search for old school classmates are http://www.facebook.com and http://www.reunion.com, and http://www.classmates.com.

· Consider misspellings and misinformation. When David had difficulty finding records, he learned to try other spellings of names. Down through the years, through bad handwriting, smudged papers and just plain mistakes, he found that many names are now spelled differently than the originals. He points out that it's common to find conflicting information. One source online may say John's parents were Fred and Wilma, and another may say they were Barney and Betty. Who's right? Maybe they both are, but one of them is talking about a different John... who unfortunately lived in the same town at the same time but isn't the one you're looking for. The lines get blurry fast, and some real detective work is usually required to prove things beyond a reasonable doubt.

· To document your lineage on some sites, you may need a certified birth certificate. This can be obtained on line, or scanned if you have the original. You only need certified birth certificates (for yourself and your ancestors) for membership into DAR/SAR (Daughters or Sons of the American Revolution) or other organizations requiring specific proof. However, finding and obtaining copies of vital records (birth/marriage/death) is an important part of the research process, because these are primary sources. They “prove” something. Finding info on the Internet is great, but it's all unproven until you have paper records in your hand that corroborate your findings.

· Sooner or later, you will want to (or have to) learn to scan pictures and document and store and organize them on line.

Gee, that’s enough for today. And I haven’t even told you yet about the fresh strawberries, my long-lost 2nd cousin in South Dakota, the $9.95 rib eye, the 1939 tractor in the railroad depot museum or the Tipsy House and old wooden roller coaster at Arnolds Park at Lake Okoboji!

If you’re really interested in the whole story, feel free to look at my Iowa pictures on Flickr at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10138122@N02/sets/72157620415630559/

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER: 

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years… 

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Let’s continue our discussion of the Mind/Body Connection or PNI from last week –

Today, one of the most widely recognized authorities on the study of PNI is neurobiologist Dr. David Felton, who heads up the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. Dr. Felton has been awarded several prestigious grants including a “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation for his work in the growing field of PNI.

In 1981, Dr. Felton and his team of researchers made an important discovery. They found a hard-wire connection between the body’s immune system and the central nervous system, which is controlled by the brain.

Simply put, using special stains the team was able to trace nerves to various locations throughout the body. They then discovered a network of nerves leading from the brain to cells in the immune system. This was the long elusive scientific proof that the Mind/Body Connection was real! Hard evidence showed that the brain has the ability to send signals to immune system cells.

Thanks to that discovery, we now know that the immune system, instead of hanging around waiting to kill bacteria, is working all the time. It’s critical to every function in our bodies.

Dr. Felton says about his discovery, “Our Grandmothers knew all along that our minds and our bodies were connected, even if the scientific community didn’t. We’ve simply provided irrefutable data showing that it’s true.”

Today, the study of PNI is important; scientists, medical and mental health practitioners, and consumers are all actively exploring the possibilities associated with PNI. In fact, Harvard University established a Mind/Body clinic in Boston in the 1970s and more have been founded around the world since then.

The National Institutes of Health allocate research money on a regular basis to fund PNI study. In FY1999, $10 million was directed to conducting research in the behavioral sciences and establishing more Mind/Body medical centers.

Next week, we’ll wrap-up our discussion of PNI…

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

All this is irrefutable proof that the Mind/Body Connection is real, that it works, and that it can play a large part in how we live our After-50 years. So now that we have this knowledge, we each need to look at our own lives, and decide what we have to do to make that connection even stronger. Lifelong learning can help.

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Aging In Place Wednesday

Aging in Place Wednesday 

Each Wednesday, Laurie Orlov, tech industry veteran, writer, speaker, elder care advocate and Faculty Advisor for the Aging in Place Technology Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing her insightful research on how seniors can safely and successfully live independent lives in the home of their choice.

Distance grandparenting with webcams

So if you are a baby boomer and want to imagine your long-distance grandparenting experience (assuming it hasn't already begun), here's the scenario. The New York times has a compelling article today about grandparents staying 'close' to their grandchildren through PC-mounted webcams -- using Skype and iChat, along with a link to a blog discussion about Web cams and grandparenting.

Here are the most interesting datapoints in the article:

 Nearly half of American grandparents live more than 200 miles from at least one of their grandchildren. And another study (U of Southern California) learned that two-thirds of grandchildren see one set of grandparents only a few times per year, if that. 

Webcams are undergoing a 20% growth in video calling because most new laptop purchases include them(IDC).

The grandparents mentioned in the article are in their 50's and 60's. Their kids are in their 30s.  So while everyone was wondering about video-monitoring of elders, how hard is it to imagine that as these grandparents age into their 70's and 80's that the same technology will serve yet another purpose -- keeping in touch with them to see how they're doing?

For more information, visit Laurie at Aging In Place and at the Aging in Place Technology Department at Computer School For Seniors.

Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.

The "Curator's" Old Picture Website

This post features a fun, kind of fey and certainly interesting website that I follow. Compiled by someone called “the curator” it is done “featuring an extensive collection of historical photographs. The collection includes images from the years 1850 to 1940. These photographs span the globe, and present a unique view of our past. Join us in developing a love and appreciation for vintage photographs.”

As you click on a photograph to view an enlarged version, other thumbnails will appear to lead you to other images you might want to see. At the moment, there are five categories where you will find collections to view.

The first image you see below is from the Defining Moments category. The curator says, “There are certain moments in our history that define an entire era, and there are key photographs which captured those moments. This section of the website is dedicated to those moments, and the images that captured them for posterity.”

“With the decrease in supply of workers, and an increase in the demand for workers, American Women stood up, left the home, and filled the holes in the factory lines left by men fighting in the war. These women filled the ranks of defense contractors like Douglas Aircraft Company, and they turned out equipment of impeccable quality.

Heroism and bravery on the front lines were doubtless a key element of victory in World War II. However, this heroism would have been in vain if these brave men on the front lines did not have equipment that worked, and performed as expected.

Women working in the War Effort were the unsung and unrecognized heroes of the war. They manufactured military equipment with pride, and that equipment performed exceptionally well, and played a critical role in the Allied victory. Today, we salute the Women Workers of America.”


The Picture Collections category is fascinating. “Below for your perusal is a highly creative photograph of "Waiting for the President". It was created in 1922. The photo illustrates a young girl seated on the White House steps with a camera by her side.”

“Below, for your browsing pleasure, is a majestic photo of a Polish emigrant boarding a ship at Ellis Island. It was made in 1907. The illustration documents Emigration & immigration.”

And last but not least is the Picture of the Day category which changes continually. (There is advertising on the site, so stick to the menu called This Site.)

http://www.old-picture.com/

Applause to “the curator” for organizing these wonderful old pictures for us all!

Capture the Moment Monday

Dave Berry, Director of the Photography Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing his insightful Photo Tips with you every Monday for Capture the Moment Mondays.

3 DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex)

 Questions you were afraid to ask--Part 3

1.) What's with "equivalent" focal lengths? Why do you sometimes call a 50mm a 75mm equivalent?
It refers to the corresponding focal length on a traditional 35mm film camera or full-frame DSLR. Because most DSLR sensors are much smaller than a 35mm frame film, they record on the center of the image circle cast by the full frame 50mm lens, producing images with the same field of view as those as those a 75mm lens would capture on a 35mm or full frame SLR.(The difference in area is called the crop or lens factor.

2.) Can my camera keep pace with the latest high speed memory card?
The newest model can, and manufacturers are always working on improving image transfer speeds and reducing the time it takes for ever larger image files to clear the camera's buffer. But another benefit of high speed cards is their ability to transfer images to your computer quickly. To make them run at top velocity, always use a compatible card reader.

3.) Does it harm flash cards to reformat them frequently?
Nope. In fact the experts encourage it. Reformatting scrubs images, file names and other image related data from the card, freeing up memory so you can keep shooting. It's best to reformat the card in the camera, rather than on your computer, to ensure they work together properly.

Dave Berry shares his Photography Tips at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com).

Inspirational Sunday

Bill Witcher, co-founder of Computer School for Seniors will be sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and hope with you each Sunday.

Happy Father's Day

Daddy...Dad...Papa...Father...beautiful names that mean different things to different men. It's still a blessing and I still get a special feeling when my two daughters call me Daddy or Dad. I am honored to be their father. I am proud to be their father.



And now, with fabulous grandkids, a new moniker brings a smile to my face...Papa.

If we consider it a blessing to hear our kids call our name, think of what an honor it is to have our Heavenly Father call our name. Wow! Talk about a humbling thought. The creator of heaven and earth knows your name.

In his book, And the Angels Were Silent, Max Lucado shares how God is waiting for all His sons and daughters to come home.

"God calls your name...He's waiting for you. God is standing on the porch of heaven, expectantly hoping, searching the horizon for a glimpse of his child. You're the one God is seeking.

God is the waiting Father, the caring Shepherd in search of his lamb. His legs are scratched, His feet are sore, and His eyes are burning. He scales the cliffs and traverses the fields. He explores the caves. He cups his hands to his mouth and calls into the canyon.

And the name he calls is yours...

The message is simple: God gave up his Son in order to rescue all his sons and daughters. To bring his children home. He's listening for your answer."

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors (http://www.cs4seniors.com/)

Saturday's with Dr. Roffman

Each Saturday, Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

The “Ripple” Effect

One day during my third year of medical school in Boston, my friend Ed and I were walking through the corridors of University Hospital. Ed noticed that an obviously perplexed man was trying to figure out the complicated hospital directory. Ed veered off from our path and asked the man,

“May I help you?”

He then proceeded to help the visitor navigate the complex halls of the hospital. A very simple act that I, to this day, remember and mimic each time I see a similarly confused – appearing visitor to the hospital in which I work.

Periodically, I bite off a bit more than I can chew: a couple of weeks ago, I came upon a distraught couple in the hospital hallway very early one morning. I spent a good deal of time helping the elderly wheelchair-bound woman whose x-ray request had not been received by the hospital. I managed to get her scheduled for her study that day, filling an opening in the schedule.

I related all of this to Ed, who was amazed that I remembered the long-ago incident in which he showed compassion for a stranger. Ed certainly had no recollection of helping that visitor – his act that day was simply part of what he did and of who he was. Yet each time I stop to help someone, I think of Ed. Sometimes the simplest acts we do have reverberations that can last a very long time. Everything we say and everything we do can impact others.

Sometimes a kind word or deed can ripple on for years. By the same token, a careless comment may sting someone’s psyche forever. Maybe one or more people I have helped were inspired to help others. Act by simple act, word by kind word, we can impact others by what we say or do. It has been said that one person can’t change the world. Isn’t that the only way the world changes?

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.

Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at www.copingwithadversity.com. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Friday

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.


As you read this, my sister Mary is attending her 50th high school class reunion in Rock Rapids, Iowa. In fact, I am joining her in our old home town to visit with her, her husband Gary, and many dear “old” friends. My son, David and his wife Grace and Stephanie, my granddaughter, are all joining us there for a couple of days to get a narrated tour of our old home and haunts. David has always been very interested in genealogy, so he sees this trip as adding another nostalgic piece to the family puzzle he has worked so hard to put together over the years. Tracking your family history has been made much easier because of the Internet, and I plan to blog about that in the weeks to come.

Mary spent February in Texas with us because she wanted to get away from the cold weather in Wisconsin. Much the same reason I visit her and Gary in July! While she was here, we worked on her high school reunion Memory Book together. We had a wonderful time doing it. It’s the type of thing that you, too, can do on your computer. Of course there are many types of “books” you can do – recipe books, legacy books, scrapbooks, or just plain “write a book.” Let me show you our handiwork!

The book was produced in MS Publisher. We did the cover design using clip art for the lion (commemorating the Rock Rapids lions athletic teams), and designing the stylized border with simple lines drawn with the line tool.

The inside front cover was also designed using clip art and lines. Of course, we inserted a photo of our old school which was torn down a few years ago.

Some of the fun pages in the front of the book were produced using:

• Scanned pictures from the 1959 high school annual
• Word Art (the word “Royalty”)

• Clip Art, and
• Fill Effects (in MS Publisher)

It’s really very easy, and as you can see, the result looks great.

For the body of the book, each class member’s original annual picture was scanned and included on a separate page. Mary and Dave (Van Leeuwen, the class president) contacted each class member by mail and email late last year to request a current picture with their spouse or family and an update about their lives for the 50 years since graduation. Out of a class of just under 50, there were a few deceased members and less than 10 that didn’t respond!

Most printers that are sold today contain both a scan and a fax option, making it easy to scan a photograph. And you don’t have to buy an expensive printer to scan. Mine cost only about $50. Once scanned, photos can be cropped and color corrected in “MS Picture Manager,” which comes with MS Office 2003 and 2007. So you really don’t even need Photoshop to do these simple corrections.

Once we had the pictures scanned, and the stories edited and keyboarded, we added graphics from clip art that related to the classmates’ interests or hobbies, and voila! You can see the result. I’m sure the class members will be delighted with this keepsake for their children and grandchildren.

But Mary didn’t stop there. She also produced a PowerPoint® presentation using the same pictures that will run on a loop during the actual event. She dressed it up with color and graphics (clip art again) as well. Classmates were sent an order form for either the Memory Book, a CD of the PowerPoint® presentation or both.

The books were printed (8-1/2 x 11 paper, two-sided in color) and bound with plastic combs.
There is a very simple mechanical machine that punches the pages and does the binding, or you can have it done at a business center or printing place like Office Depot, Staples, or Kinko’s. It gives your book a more finished look than a plain notebook and is easier to handle and store. The orders for the books from classmates should be priced so they cover these costs.

All in all, it was a labor of love – for Mary and me, and for her classmates. I know they will be thrilled this week when they see it!

This was a great sister project with a wonderful sister!


Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (http://www.cs4seniors.com/)

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER: 

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years… 

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Now it’s time for us to take a look at the Mind/Body Connection. No, we won’t be studying any hocus-pocus, but rather some sound scientific research. Being aware of the Mind/Body Connection is very important, especially as we age.

The belief that our thoughts and actions can influence our health–the Mind/Body Connection–is not a new concept. Over the years, in certain circles, this notion was an accepted fact. Research in the latter half of the 20th century, however, has shown that this long-held belief is actually true.

But what does this belief really mean? It’s probably safe to say that wishing for a gold Rolls Royce won’t suddenly make one appear in your driveway. But there is significant evidence to suggest that coordinating the interaction between our minds and bodies can result in amazing things. Lifelong learning plays a major role in this because it helps balance both your mind and body. And when things are in balance, you feel better and have the ability and desire to create a rich and satisfying life.

Technically, the study of the Mind/Body Connection goes by several intimidating labels certain to demolish anyone playing Scrabble with you. Among these names are such polysyllabic nightmares as psychoneuroimmunology, psychophysiology, neuropsychology, and psychoneuroimmunology. We’ll opt for a much shorter abbreviation of the last one: PNI.

In the 1960’s, one of the early pioneers in the study of modern day PNI was psychiatrist George Solomon. He observed that depression seemed to make rheumatoid arthritis worse. He then began investigating the impact of emotions on immune function in general. His research was responsible for the development of the new field of PNI.

Then in the late 1960s and early 1970s, cardiologist Dr. Herbert Benson began studying the effects of meditation on blood pressure. He developed the term “the relaxation response,” which today is recognized far and wide. Finally in the mid 1970s, psychologist Dr. Robert Adler’s studies demonstrated that cognitive and emotional cues could affect immune response. Thanks to his research PNI was finally recognized as a legitimate medical specialty.

Since these early discoveries researchers everywhere have been studying PNI. Over the ensuing years, PNI has demonstrated its value in three different research areas – physiological research, epidemiological research and clinical research.

More on this very interesting subject next week…

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

John C. Lilly, American physician, psychoanalyst, philosopher and writer said, “In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true.” Well, if that’s the case, then we all have the ability to create meaningful later lives for ourselves – lives that are enriched and far more exciting than we ever thought possible. Lifelong learning is one important tool that can help us create that life.

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Aging in Place Wednesday

Each Wednesday, Laurie Orlov, tech industry veteran, writer, speaker, elder care advocate and Faculty Advisor for the Aging in Place Technology Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing her insightful research on how seniors can safely and successfully live independent lives in the home of their choice.

Children are growing up with modern technology. A two year old sits in his car seat playing games on his Mom’s IPhone as she drives him to pick up his sister from kindergarten. When they arrive back home they both head to the TV to play video games. But there is a new video game that is sweeping the country and is being embraced as much by seniors as it is by the kids and teens. It’s Wii time!

Wii Fitness: It's not just for teens
BY DANA THIMONS

Linda Kirby had never played a Wii before she picked up a controller at SHARE Club North, a local senior center for residents.

COURTESY PHOTOS Seniors at SHARE Club North Center recently participated in a bowling tournament using the Nintendo Wii gaming system.

"I love it," she said, swinging her arm and simultaneously releasing the trigger on the remote to virtually knock down some pins. Unlike traditional video game systems controlled by a player's thumbs and fingers, Wii games respond to a player's body movements.

Kirby used to actively play sports before her bad hip forced her to give them up. Wii Bowling enables her to continue one of her favorite pastimes without the pain a "real" game of bowling could incite. "I can do this like I used to bowl. It keeps me up on my feet and gives me some exercise," she said.

Bowling and other sports games from Nintendo's Wii gaming system arrived at the SHARE Club North location in March, and the software — perhaps better known for getting tech-loving kids and their parents off the couch — is quickly gaining traction with seniors in Southwest Florida.

Nntendo's Wii gaming system.

Even Nintendo has taken note of the appeal to baby boomers and older users. Though the demographic breakdown is not available at this time, said Denise Kaigler, vice president of corporate affairs for Nintendo of America. "We know a lot of senior communities are having fun with Wii."

Sue Maxwell, MSW, system director of gerontology for Lee Memorial Health System, agreed that Wii is just plain fun.

"We really feel that senior centers need to offer different opportunities for sports and physical activity other than just the usual swimming pool and pool table. Wii fills that need for something different," she said. "Besides exercise, it provides lots of opportunities for socialization and team building."

Gaming systems could mean added years to your life.

Wii is one way to get 30 minutes of exercise per day, as recommended by the American Heart Association.

"If unable to do other exercises or get to the gym, this type of individualized computer program is a great way to do something physical," said Dr. Lacagnina. "Anything that gets people off the couch and moving is a step in the right direction."

Wii is also useful for maintaining memory.

"Anything that gets your attention is better than something you get bored with. Research has shown that video and computer games interest people," said Dr. Michael Raab, a local geriatrician who works with Lee Memory Care.

The new Wii Fit program rolled out about a year ago and involves a pressure sensitive balance board and comes with 40 exercise-oriented games, including yoga, soccer and ski-jumping.

"Wii Fit will tell you how long it's been since you logged in last and gives you computerized encouragement. So Wii has the interest factor and the record keeping ability," Dr. Raab said.

"Regular exercise can help with balance, cardiovascular health and strength," Dr. Raab said. "In addition, people who participate in regular physical activity experience less memory loss over time."

Information about the Wii:

Nintendo released the Wii gaming system in November 2006. . About 19.6 million consoles have been sold in the U.S. . Among the Wii sports available are tennis, baseball, golf, bowling and boxing. . Wii Fit, launched in May 2008, involves a pressure-sensitive balance board and comes with 40 exercise oriented games, including yoga, ski jumping and hula-hooping.

For more information, visit Laurie at http://www.ageinplacetech.com// and at the Aging in Place Technology Department at http://http://www.cs4seniors.com//

Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.

Preserving Those Old Sweethearts

Most of us are fortunate enough to have family pictures, many of them that go way back. Some may need restoring, but they all need protecting.

Not everyone can restore damaged images, but we can all keep them safe for future generations. At the end of this post, I will provide you with some websites with good information about storing your images.

You will, from time to time, see restoration work that my students do. Most of it is done with Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. This is one of the projects we work on in class. When I first saw the picture you see below of my Great Grandmother Nini, I really thought it was gone for good. But look at what was left!

Look at the difference in this one with my mother and her cousin in a goatcart:



This wonderful old photo could be repaired because it was preserved in the first place.

Chadds Ford Historical Society has an interesting website that is fun to visit. There was one article I liked in particular. It is by Karen Smith from the Historical Society who has written about how best to preserve old images. You may not be able to do everything she suggests, but some of her recommendations are not complicated and make sense, such as why you shouldn't put your pictures in the attic or the basement.

She says, “How many of us have found boxes of old photographs or family documents stored in the attic or basement? Upon inspection, the photos or papers inside are stuck together, stained or discolored, or crumble when touched. Those irreplaceable records of family history will not survive the adverse conditions of attics and basements, the worst places to store old documents.

Sharp changes in temperature and humidity alternately swell and shrink delicate paper. Dampness permits mold to flourish. Dryness and heat cause brittleness, so that the paper breaks or splits with handling.

You can protect your valuable papers and photos by storing them in an air-conditioned room where temperature and humidity levels are kept fairly uniform…” to read the rest of her article, click here:

http://www.chaddsfordhistory.org/history/care.htm

In an article from About.com, Pamela Wiggins says, "Learn to make old photographs last for generations through proper storage." On this webpage she discusses the use of plastic sheeting, albums and other photographic storage methods.

http://antiques.about.com/cs/photographs1/ht/

StoringPhotos.htm is another resource is the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute where they "help others learn about their historical objects and how to take care of them."

http://www.si.edu/mci/

The Northwest Document Conservation Center tells you about themselves on their web site where they state that, "The NEDCC is a non-profit, regional conservation center specializing in the preservation of paper-based materials. NEDCC serves libraries, archives, museums, historical societies. "

They provide disaster assistance, which is a good thing to know about if you are ever involved in this type of difficulty.

http://www.nedcc.org/home.php

And last, but certainly not least, is from the website of Collin Robinson, artist and photographer. He provides interesting information on Care of Old Photos and Restoration. I enjoyed reading about his take on old images in general. At one point he recommends the use of Photoshop Elements to repair damage. I agree with that.

http://colinrobinson.com/restore.html

As Patrick Garry once said, “A person is neither whole nor healthy without the memories of photo albums. They are the storybook of our lives. They provide a nostalgic escape from the tormented days of the present.”

So take care of those old sweethearts!

Mimi