Lifestyle

Rick Dover of Knoxville: The Value of Environmental Responsibility

June 16, 2013 By Rick Dover 1 Comment

020712Oakwood Rick Dover, a Knoxville business manager, is proud of all Family Pride Corporation has achieved in its two decades in business. The company specializes in repurposing historic buildings for senior care communities and other uses, according to Rick Dover, and Knoxville organizations have taken notice. The company is the recipient of several historic preservation awards for its efforts, says Rick Dover of Knoxville.

Rick Dover, a Knoxville resident, has always worked with environmental consciousness in mind. Acknowledging that many people believe environmentally friendly development is almost impossible, Rick Dover of Knoxville has noticed that many people are successfully achieving sustainability in building development.

According to Rick Dover, Knoxville is one area where the opportunity to be environmentally friendly exists. Through Family Pride Corporation, Rick Dover and Knoxville builders are able to work together to find buildings that have either been abandoned or are not being heavily used. These buildings have years of history and stored energy that is wasted when a building is torn down, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville, in particular, has quite a few empty buildings that would make great senior care facilities, Rick Dover of Knoxville has found.

As Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, says, this energy is renewed when Family Pride Corporation comes in and restores a building. The building can then be filled with people once again, giving seniors a great place to live while allowing the community to enjoy a historic structure for many years, adds Rick Dover of Knoxville.

In addition to repurposing structures, Rick Dover and Knoxville staff of Family Pride Corporation use today’s best environment-saving features. Family Pride Corporation adds solar power and energy-efficient HVAC systems to preserve the environment, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville is also the ideal place to implement reflective roofs to save on electricity by keeping a building cooler, Rick Dover of Knoxville adds.

With each project, Family Pride Corporation strives to be as green as possibly, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville has noticed the hard work the company is doing, and Rick Dover and Knoxville staff members believe this sets a good example for the rest of the city. Rick Dover hopes Knoxville businesses will join the movement and find ways to reuse historic buildings for modern purposes.

Family Pride Corporation’s many projects include the remodeling and reuse of a 1908 school, a 1970s hospital, and a hotel that once housed VIPs during the Manhattan Project, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville and East Tennessee aren’t the only areas Rick Dover has affected with his remodeling projects. According to Rick Dover, the Knoxville businessman has also repurposed buildings in Florida and North Carolina, as well as other areas of Tennessee.

A former real estate developer, Rick Dover of Knoxville has been acknowledged by the mayor of Lenoir City and the Loudon County Preservation Society. With each new project, Family Pride Corporation staff members strive to enhance communities while preserving landmarks for those who most appreciate them.

Proper Nutrition Can Ease Arthritis Pain, Says Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure

June 3, 2013 By Kelley D. Hamilton Leave a Comment

As chief executive officer, Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure Senior Living knows that many seniors suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints and connective tissue. The disease can deform joints and render people immobile, says Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO. Due to inflammation, arthritis causes noticeable pain, heat and swelling of the joints. Women are three times more likely affected than men. Depending on the severity of the disease, morning stiffness can occur, which sometimes stays throughout the day. According to Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure, a targeted selection of food can help relieve arthritis symptoms. Today, Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure joins A Gathering of Experts to discuss how to create a diet for arthritis and which foods can ease aching joints.

A Gathering of Experts: Thank you for being with us today.

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: It’s my pleasure.

A Gathering of Experts: Arthritis is one of the most common health problems in the U.S. Is it just an older person’s condition?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Arthritis can affect anyone at any age—not just seniors. It’s true that the incidence of arthritis increases with age, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 3 out of every 5 arthritis patients are younger than age 65.

A Gathering of Experts: What exactly is arthritis?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: A faulty immune system causes inflammation of the joints. Initially, mostly the small finger and toe joints are affected. They begin to ache suddenly, swell and feel warmer than usual. Usually, the pain in the second half of the night and morning are particularly strong.

A Gathering of Experts: Can arthritis be prevented or cured?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: You cannot prevent rheumatoid arthritis and it’s not yet curable. But more and more people can live with less pain through early treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

A Gathering of Experts: What is the relationship between diet and arthritis?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Some scientific studies have demonstrated a general correlation between nutrition and arthritis. It is undisputed that foods containing arachidonic acid have an inflammation-promoting effect. These, for example, include eggs.

A Gathering of Experts: So certain foods can positively impact the course of the disease?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Yes, nutrition is an important addition to the therapy protocol for arthritis. Anti-inflammatory foods such as the omega-3 fatty acids should be included in the diet. Herring, salmon or trout are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

A Gathering of Experts: What symptoms can be relieved with the right diet?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Research studies have proven that swelling, excess heat and pain can be relieved with an appropriate diet.

A Gathering of Experts: What other foods should be included?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Fruits and vegetables, because many of them contain antioxidants. The best effect is achieved if vitamins are absorbed through the consumption of plant foods vs. supplements.

A Gathering of Experts: What foods should be avoided?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Consumption of fatty meat, processed foods, or sausages should be restricted.

A Gathering of Experts: Is weight a contributing factor to arthritis?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: A change of diet can lead to weight loss, which means fewer pounds on the aching joints.

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO, makes sure that chefs at the senior living communities prepare meals rich in fruits and vegetables for their residents. Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure says that low-fat dairy products are also on the daily menu. Alcohol and nicotine should be avoided at all costs, notes Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure. According to Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure residents and other patients can use good diet to support their drug therapy and improve the long-term course of the disease. Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure lives in Oregon.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Kelley D. Hamilton, Kelley D. Hamilton Bonaventure, Kelley D. Hamilton Salem Oregon, Kelley Hamilton, Kelley Hamilton Bonaventure, Kelley Hamilton Bonaventure Senior Living

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, on Staying Social in the Golden Years

May 26, 2013 By Admin3 Leave a Comment

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, stresses the need for seniors to maintain and develop friendships throughout their golden years. By keeping a steady routine of social engagement, Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, says that seniors are more likely to stay in top physical and mental shape.

A Gathering of Experts: How do friends help seniors maintain mental acuity?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: A recent study showed that maintaining an active social life can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by more than 70 percent, which is a significant figure.

A Gathering of Experts: Is a lack of friends really more harmful than other bad habits?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Feelings of loneliness or isolation are even more harmful to your health than not exercising or eating right.

A Gathering of Experts: What overall impact do friendships make?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Friends have a significant impact on eating habits and exercise routines. Taking part in activities with other people is encouraging for those who might need that extra push.

A Gathering of Experts: What subject should seniors discuss?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Just the occasional round of friendly banter has a big influence on feelings of self-esteem. When gossiping in a positive manner about family and close friends, seniors come away with a sense of inclusion.

A Gathering of Experts: Isn’t gossip considered hurtful?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: It’s more about chatting and sharing stories. Just keep the subject matter lighthearted and fun, and stay away from more serious topics or personal attacks.

A Gathering of Experts: Anything else?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Discussing special hobbies or interests also makes for interesting and fun conversation.

A Gathering of Experts: How has making friends been shown to improve mental strength?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: When tested on a series of specific mental tasks, seniors scored higher if they said friends are an important factor in their lives.

A Gathering of Experts: Should particular types of people be avoided?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Surrounding oneself with positive people is a key aspect of senior living. It is best to avoid individuals who are quick to criticize or intimidate.

A Gathering of Experts: How do friendships improve a senior’s quality of life?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: An active social life often slows down the aging process and offers seniors a sense of control.

A Gathering of Experts: How do men differ from women in this area?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: The difference in genders is negligible. Although more reticent than their female counterparts, men of a certain age who discuss medical issues or personal problems with their male friends feel less alone or depressed.

A Gathering of Experts: Where can seniors meet new people?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Popular activities include dancing classes, swimming lessons and bingo halls. A local library or newspaper will reveal a wealth of activity options.

A Gathering of Experts: What about those who prefer exercising alone?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Numerous art galleries, entertainment venues and museums offer senior programs tailored to their clientele.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, first joined the company in 2004 and entered her role as COO in 2007.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Bonaventure, Gray, Gray Bonaventure, Pam, Pam Gray, Pam Gray Bonaventure, Pam Gray Bonaventure Senior Living, Senior Living

YORHealth Testimonials: Polo & Anelís Urdiales, Monterrey, NL Mexico

May 25, 2013 By YORHealth

YORHealth

YORHealth first introduced premium-quality health and wellness products in 2008. The California-based company formulates all products with their uniquely formulated Enzyme Delivery Systems, to maximize effectiveness and absorption of nutrients. After all, the company’s philosophy is “you are what you absorb.” With 30 years of research, YORHealth is equipped to deliver product safety and premium quality.

The YORHealth nutrition line consists of nutritional supplements and meal replacement shakes which are available in vanilla and chocolate. In addition to nutrition products, the company also promotes proper fitness and physical activity. Through YORHealth, customers from around the globe have achieved optimum health. The YORHealth difference is aimed to help customers “reach the next level” of well-being so they are better equipped to achieve all of their personal and life-time goals.

YORHealth made a huge difference in Polo and Anelis Urdiales’s life. Here, they share their story.

We come from very similar and very loving families with strong values. We never lacked anything or had anything to spare. We were taught, “Study hard, work hard, be a good person and you will do well in life”. We had many dreams, we wanted to be important professionals, have a house, cars, to travel, be a good couple and raise a family like the one we had with our parents. We studied at a very good university and we started our working life.

Me (Ane), I started as a trainee at a marketing agency and after working very hard, gradually I ascended the job ladder. However, after 6 years and in spite of having the commitment and the responsibilities of a director, I didn’t have the title or the salary of such position and I felt frustrated because I also had to sacrifice spending time with Polo and my son. I felt sad, trapped in a routine.

Me (Polo) on the other hand, in spite of having a Master’s Degree, having worked for good companies and having good positions, I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. I strived to make ends meet and I lived desperately. I started to neglect my family and putting Ane and Polito to third place because of my job and meeting social commitments that I thought that would bring me better positions. Instead, it actually kept me away from the good man I had always wanted to be. We went through very hard situations and all the dreams we had started to crumble. Our reality was very different from what we had planned and every time we were less hopeful.

One day a very good friend of mine, the manager of a company I had worked for, called me and told me he had left his job and that he was doing very good, bringing to Mexico a health and nutrition company named YORHealth, and that they were looking for very social people who wanted to make good money. In YORHealth I saw a simple and fast business with friends that were going to help me.

Me (Ane), I saw health, we tried the YORHealth products. Polo lost 35 lbs. and I lost 11 lbs. and my digestive problems went away. We felt very good after taking the YORHealth products. Shortly we discovered the great potential of the YORHealth project and we decided to take maximum advantage of the YORHealth opportunity. Our YORHealth business grew thanks to a wonderful team created by friends and family, and what was our Plan B, became our only source of income.

Today we are happy and thankful to YORHealth for having people in our lives who have helped us very much–like Jorge Gonzalez, David Duran and our friend Paco Hernandez; and for YORHealth, a different company, with values where we feel confident and that besides making

a positive impact in our finances and in our health, it has been a fundamental piece in our marriage. Since YORHealth, we are better as individuals, parents of Polito and Rebecca, we have time to be together, to travel, to grow and to love each other more and more every day. We invite you to experience YORHealth and a better way of living, having perfect balance, enjoying good health, and having a bigger income and more time to enjoy what God has given us, with the rest of the YORHealth team who are looking to serve and make a positive impact in other people.

Visit YORHealth online at yorhealth.com.

Filed Under: Health and Beauty, Lifestyle Tagged With: Dennis Wong, YOR Health, Yor Health Products, Yor Health Reviews

Pretty Pedicures to Pair with JustFab.com’s Hottest Spring Shoes

May 17, 2013 By JustFab Leave a Comment

JustFab.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: Business, Lifestyle Tagged With: Business, Just Fab, JustFab, justfab.com

Rick Dover Talks about Creating Jobs Through Building Restoration

May 2, 2013 By Rick Dover Leave a Comment

Rick Dover

Rick Dover is the general manager of Family Pride Corporation, a family owned and operated company in Knoxville, Tenn. Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation have been in the building restoration business since 1993.

A Gathering of Experts: Rick Dover is meeting with us to talk about creating jobs through restoration. Thank you for joining us today, Rick.

Rick Dover: My pleasure. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to talk about Family Pride Corporation and our restoration ventures.

A Gathering of Experts: Tell us why you prefer renovation over new construction.

Rick Dover: Everyone today is worried about the economy and jobs. Renovating a building takes twice the labor and half the material as new construction.

A Gathering of Experts: So you feel renovation is better for the economy?

Rick Dover: It only makes sense that in difficult economic times we need to stop building new structures and utilize what we have available.

A Gathering of Experts: I can see the savings in material, but it seems like it wouldn’t significantly affect the job situation.

Rick Dover: The University of Massachusetts ran the numbers using 2009 national data. The results showed that restoring existing buildings produced about 50 percent more jobs than constructing new ones.

A Gathering of Experts: Those are surprising numbers.

Rick Dover: Not when you take a hard look at the facts. Nationally, approximately 41 percent of the cost of residential renovation goes to labor, but the number drops to 28 percent when you look at figures for new construction.

A Gathering of Experts: Why the disparity?

Rick Dover: Restoration of old buildings is more labor-intensive because much of the cost of new construction is not in labor and jobs; it’s in equipment, material—and freight charges to move the equipment and material.

A Gathering of Experts: Even in a bad economy, some businesses need a new location because they’ve lost their lease or need an extra facility.

Rick Dover: The economy won’t sustain a great deal of new construction these days. If it comes down to an immediate need, a business owner may walk away from new construction because of the cost. A restored property will give them what they need with a much lower outlay.

A Gathering of Experts: But new construction also creates jobs—right?

Rick Dover: True, but not on as large a scale. Also renovation over new construction holds a big advantage for a community because of the type of labor involved. Restoration uses a different type of labor force that is typically made up of local job seekers with more basic skills.

A Gathering of Experts: But new jobs of any type are good for the economy, right?

Rick Dover: For the economy overall, of course; however, the main consideration should be putting money earned doing neighborhood projects back into the local economy. Local workers keep that cash in the community. They spend the money they earn locally and that helps create more jobs in the community.

A Gathering of Experts: How do you find these properties?

Rick Dover: That hasn’t been a problem. There’s hardly a city that doesn’t have housing stock in need of rehabilitation.

A Gathering of Experts: What about the real estate market? Doesn’t it depend largely on new construction?

Rick Dover: Unfortunately, the real estate industry doesn’t often think along the lines of restoration and preservation. They are programed to produce and sell new buildings. Perhaps this would be a good time for the industry to rethink the standard and incorporate a “greener” ideology in their business practices.

A Gathering of Experts: Is that belief a part of your company’s business practice?

Rick Dover: I do think we should leave the smallest footprint possible on the world so future generations don’t pay for our mistakes. Environmentalists are beginning to see that maybe the new, cutting-edge eco buildings aren’t necessarily the best choice for sustainability. They are realizing that rehabilitating old buildings is considerably less wasteful than replacing them.

A Gathering of Experts: So you’re saying city governments should think “greener” when looking for ways to add jobs into their community?

Rick Dover: I suppose adding politicians to the mix wouldn’t be a bad idea, but it isn’t about politics—it’s about jobs and improving communities. Cities trying to incorporate jobs would be smart to take a close look at the housing they already have.

A Gathering of Experts: Do you have any parting comments for us?

Rick Dover: We still have a deeply depressed economy and labor market. Consumers are tapped out. We as employers have a responsibility to do everything we can to help boost the economy and add jobs.

Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation gain satisfaction from the restoration of properties for senior housing and for residential and commercial use. Rick Dover knows that improving communities by restoring existing properties is the best way to revitalize a neighborhood and add jobs. For more information about Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation, visit familypridecorp.com.

Filed Under: General, Lifestyle Tagged With: Richard Dover Knoxville, Richard E. Dover, Rick Dover, Rick Dover Family Pride Corp, Rick Dover Family Pride Corporation, Rick Dover Knoxville

Popular Online Retailer, Just Fab, Introduces President and Creative Director, Kimora Lee Simmons

April 29, 2013 By JustFab Leave a Comment

Just Fab

Just Fab President Kimora Lee Simmons began her modeling career at the tender age of 13 when the tall beauty received an exclusive modeling contract from Chanel to work with the famous designer Karl Lagerfeld. Soon after, the Just Fab President and Creative Director became a sensation within in the fashion industry. Kimora’s outgoing personality and stunning beauty are familiar across the globe, but these classy attributes only scratch the surface of one of the most sensational and influential women in fashion and entertainment.

Just Fab President is an international superstar and loving mother

Today, Kimora Lee Simmons is an international sensation who has made her mark in modeling, fashion design, television, an author, as well as the business world. Being the President of Just Fab is her latest endeavor. In addition to her successful and busy professional career, Kimora is a devoted mother to her three children, Ming Lee, Aoki Lee, and Kenzo Lee. According to Forbes Magazine, Kimora Lee Simmons is one of “the hardest working mothers in Hollywood.” Currently, the Just Fab President is also working on a new skincare line.

As Just Fab President and philanthropist, Kimora encourages women to take charge

Since the beginning of her modeling and fashion design careers, Simmons has been an advocate for the empowerment of women. As Just Fab President, Kimora works relentlessy to create Just Fab styles that offer women opportunities to show their inner and outer beauty. Simmons encourages women to take charge of every situation. As an avid philanthropist, the Just Fab President & Creative Director supports several organizations, including the Make a Wish Foundation, to make the world a better place for everyone.

Just Fab Creative Extraordinaire

As President and Creative Director of Just Fab, the gorgeous and talented Kimora Lee Simmons is bringing Just Fab to a whole new level. She adds to Just Fab her extraordinary fashion industry knowledge that helped her develop her previous companies into billion dollar business ventures. Since her early teen years, Simmons has been working in and around fashion which helped her develop a sharp sense for making affordable fashion for every woman. Partnering with Just Fab gave her a new way to offer women the latest styles at a price point that is friendly to everyone’s wallet.

As the President of Just Fab, Kimora guides Just Fab into becoming number one in the online shopping business. Just Fab members view handpicked Just Fab shoes, handbags, and jewelry, giving women of all style sensibilities the ability to create a fashion dream closet. Just Fab also offers designer style jeans in four basic types including Just Fab Signature Skinny and Cropped jeans, without the designer price tag. Just Fab continues to expand into new categories and new countries to bring all of the latest Just Fab styles to everyone across the globe. To learn more about Kimora Lee Simmons or Just Fab, visit www.justfab.com.

Filed Under: General, Lifestyle Tagged With: Just Fab, JustFab, justfab.com

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO, Offers Tips for Staying Healthy in the Golden Years

April 26, 2013 By Pam Gray Bonaventure Leave a Comment

Pam Gray Bonaventure

Pam Gray joined Bonaventure in 2004 and quickly rose to become its chief operating officer. Building on a successful career in senior living and care, Pam Gray coordinates Bonaventure programs that allow seniors to age with vitality. In the following interview, Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO, offers tips for aging with wellness in mind.

Gathering of Experts: Thanks for sharing your expertise! First, tell readers about Bonaventure.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Bonaventure is a senior living and care company, focused on providing services that help seniors live life on their terms.

Gathering of Experts: Where are your communities located?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Bonaventure operates 37 communities in six states in the Western U.S.

Gathering of Experts: Tell readers more about helping seniors live how they want to.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: This philosophy is what drives our business throughout the communities. It’s all about listening to what the residents want, and ensuring we’re providing the services and care they deserve and expect.

Gathering of Experts: How is wellness incorporated?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Getting older doesn’t automatically mean immobility and frailty. Residents have daily opportunities to be active and improve their wellness through a variety of scheduled activities designed with their needs in mind.

Gathering of Experts: What options are offered onsite?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Most communities offer exercise facilities and all offer healthy food choices. A number of recreational programs are also offered throughout the week, such as yoga classes and dance night.

Gathering of Experts: What wellness considerations should seniors focus on?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: First, it’s important for seniors to understand that educating oneself about the physical changes that come with aging can go a long way.

Gathering of Experts: What are some of these changes?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: It is a fact that muscles lose mass and bones lose density with age. It’s something we just can’t avoid.

Gathering of Experts: Why is this problematic?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Loss of strength in the bones and muscles can lead to mobility issues and increased risk of injuries from falls.

Gathering of Experts: What can seniors do to address these changes?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: The good news is that regular exercise can help slow the process and help keep the body strong. Many seniors who actively participate in daily physical activities say they feel better now that when they were younger!

Gathering of Experts: What types of exercise do you recommend?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Seniors should do aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises weekly.

Gathering of Experts: How can seniors fit it all in?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: There should be daily exercise, but not all types of exercise need to be done each day.

Gathering of Experts: What would a week of exercise look like for a healthy senior?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Walking a few times a week, daily stretching, and lifting light weights a couple of times would be a great goal to start with. It’s important not to over-do it, so stay within your comfort zone. And always check with a doctor before changing up your regular routines.

Gathering of Experts: Where can readers learn more?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: The AARP and Mayo Clinic are great resources.

Gathering of Experts: Thanks for your insight!

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Always happy to help any senior continue to do the things they love whenever I can!

Pam Gray of Bonaventure has worked in the senior care industry for more than 20 years. Throughout her career, Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO, has dedicated herself to providing individualized, compassionate care. According to Pam Gray, Bonaventure provides seniors with the perfect community to age with vitality. Learn more at RetirementPerfected.com.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Bonaventure, Gray, Gray Bonaventure, Pam, Pam Gray, Pam Gray Bonaventure, Pam Gray Bonaventure Senior Living

Bonaventure CEO Kelley D. Hamilton Talks about Hobbies for Senior Adults

April 12, 2013 By Kelley D. Hamilton Leave a Comment

Kelley D. Hamilton

Kelley D. Hamilton serves as CEO of Bonaventure Senior Living. As CEO, Kelley D. Hamilton manages a company with 37 senior living communities across the western half of the United States. Kelley D. Hamilton is rightly proud of Bonaventure’s track record when it comes to meeting the needs of their older-adult residents. Kelley D. Hamilton leads a great management team at Bonaventure, promoting exceptional senior lifestyles throughout the northwest. Today, we talk to Kelley D. Hamilton about hobbies for those who are of retirement age.

Q: Kelley D. Hamilton, with Baby Boomers hitting retirement age, we’re seeing a retiree population that’s more active and engaged. What are some popular hobbies for seniors?

Kelley D. Hamilton: We see a big boom in ancestry and genealogy work. It opens people up to things they didn’t know about their ancestors, and the Internet has made it much easier to access that information.

Q: Things like Ancestry.com?

Kelley D. Hamilton: Yes, that is a perfect example. That’s all work that used to take hours of sorting through paper records.

Q: Yes, isn’t there a big boom in Internet use by seniors?

Kelley D. Hamilton: There sure is. Every generation of internet browsers and operating systems is becoming a little easier to use. Seniors find that a whole new world opens up for them with the internet.

Q: Aren’t seniors on social media a lot, too?

Kelley D. Hamilton: Yes, now more than ever. Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter have plenty of seniors on board, and it gives them a whole new way to keep up with family, friends and interest groups.

Q: Do seniors tend toward music?

Kelley D. Hamilton: Absolutely! Part of the beauty of retirement is being able to pursue things you didn’t have time for during your career. Learning an instrument is a perfect example.

Q: Along the same lines, what about painting?

Kelley D. Hamilton: Yes, another great example. A lot of people find they have a hidden muse, and a creative message that’s waiting to get out. Canvas, paint and brushes are a great way to unlock that.

Q: They’re cheap, too.

Kelley D. Hamilton: Yes, if you do five paintings and decide you don’t like them, it’s easy enough to just throw them away and start over with five more.

Q: Tell me about faux stained glass, I’ve heard a little about it.

Kelley D. Hamilton: Well, you can get patterns online or just make your own, and then have your local hardware store cut glass to fit. The rest of the kit is available at supply shops. It’s painstaking work, but the results can be spectacular.

Q: Really, about anything that keeps people engaged is good, isn’t it?

Kelley D. Hamilton: Yes, even for seniors who are really compromised physically, things like crosswords, Sudoku puzzles, card games and reading are great for keeping the brain active and engaged. Some seniors have even found their hobbies to be profitable by selling their creations and artwork at craft shows or even through online auction sites.

During his time at Bonaventure, Kelley D. Hamilton has instituted town hall meetings and appraisal forms to give residents a voice in the management of the company. Kelley D. Hamilton is a graduate of Portland State University. After graduation Kelley D. Hamilton co-founded Kline Hamilton Realty Advisors. Kelley D. Hamilton came on board with Bonaventure in 2000, when the company was known as Mountain West Retirement and was comprised of only two communities. Kelley D. Hamilton is a firm believer in Bonaventure’s motto, “Live Life on Your Terms” which directly supports the “Retirement Perfected” philosophy.

Filed Under: General, Lifestyle Tagged With: Kelley D. Hamilton, Kelley D. Hamilton Bonaventure, Kelley D. Hamilton Salem Oregon, Kelley Hamilton, Kelley Hamilton Bonaventure, Kelley Hamilton Bonaventure Senior Living

Jeffrey Nimer Explains How to Shop, and Eat, Like a Star

December 22, 2012 By Jeffrey Nimer Leave a Comment

Jeffrey Nimer

Jeffrey Nimer is a Los Angeles Chef who boasts the Olsen twins and Ben Affleck among his clients. Today, Chef Jeffrey Nimer explains to us how to get the right ingredients to whip up a meal like Momma never could.

Gathering of Experts: Hi, Chef Nimer. Thank you for joining us today. We are very excited to have you.

Jeffrey Nimer: Thank you!

Gathering of Experts: Let’s get started. Grocery shopping: what’s your take?

Jeffrey Nimer: First, I have to note that I never buy second-rate products.

Gathering of Experts: And, why is that? Isn’t pasta, for example, the same no matter what box it comes in?

Jeffrey Nimer: I’ll counter that by saying to avoid boxed foods altogether if possible. No, not all foods are the same. The freshest ingredients make for the freshest tasting meals.

Gathering of Experts: And fresh tastes best…

Jeffrey Nimer: Exactly! Also, don’t cut corners. If you are making a dish that calls for white wine, use white wine.

Gathering of Experts: What about genetically modified foods? We understand you supported California’s Proposition 37.

Jeffrey Nimer: I did and still do. Organic is simply the best way to go. Knowing what is, or isn’t, in you food is always better than not.

Gathering of Experts: Let’s talk a little about meats. What’s your top pick for a nice meal?

Jeffrey Nimer: Any tenderloin cut because they are easy to prepare and can be paired with a vegetable and starch for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner.

Gathering of Experts: Where is the best place to get a good steak?

Jeffrey Nimer: No matter where you live, find a respectable butcher. And, make nice with him.

Gathering of Experts: And cooking equipment?

Jeffrey Nimer: Women in the old South used nothing but cast iron pans for everything and turned out savory meals with little to no preparation. You know why they did that? It’s because they were the best available at the time. I am a lover of classic cuisine and my passion for cooking extends to my equipment. I say use the best, use the items that are essential and have stood the test of time.

Gathering of Experts: Where can the average Joe get some great kitchen gear?

Jeffrey Nimer: One of the most accessible places is William Sonoma but check online, too.

Gathering of Experts: Any final thoughts?

Jeffrey Nimer: I have to get this out: don’t mess with simple. Take pancakes, as an example. I see so many young chefs experimenting with this already perfected method. Start with a classic recipe and the food with speak for itself.

Jeffrey Nimer is the founder and head of Haute Chefs, an LA catering firm for movie sets, social events, and more. For more information of Haute Chefs or to contact Jeffrey Nimer visit hautechefsofla.com.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Professionals Tagged With: Haute Chefs Los Angelos, Jeffrey, Jeffrey Nimer, JeffreyNimer, Nimer